Alpha-fetoprotein screening

Alpha-fetoprotein screening (AFP) - This blood test measures the levels of a substance called alpha-fetoprotein in the mother's blood.

Alpha-fetoprotein screening (AFP)--a blood test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mothers' blood during pregnancy.

Alpha-fetoprotein screening detects neural tube defects such as anencephaly, microcephaly, hydrocephaly and spina bifida. Unfortunately the test has a 20 percent false positive rate, so that ultrasound may be necessary for final diagnosis.

Serum alpha-fetoprotein screening for neural-tube defects
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Triple-test screening for down syndrome and neural-tube defects ...

What is an alpha-fetoprotein screening (AFP)?
This is a blood test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mothers' blood during pregnancy.

MSAFP: Abbreviation for maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening. A blood test given to the expectant mother between weeks 15 and 18 of pregnancy to screen for an increased risk of the baby having a birth defect.

Test Ultrasound Rh Factor Testing First Trimester Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) First Trimester Screen Second Trimester Amniocentesis Cordocentesis : Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS) Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Screening ...

The maternal alpha-fetoprotein screening for spina bifida and triple screen for Down syndrome risk are examples. After birth, screening of newborn babies is required in almost all states.

When is it done: It can be done at any point in pregnancy. It is typically done at the beginning of pregnancy and repeated as needed at various points in pregnancy such as a part of the Alpha-fetoprotein screening, gestational diabetes testing, ...

See also: Pregnancy, Alpha-fetoprotein, Amnio, Amniocentesis, Ultrasound