Alphafetoprotein Test is also known by the term Maternal Serum Alpha- Fetoprotien Screening or MSAFP. This medical test is done on a pregnant woman to determine the level of AFP in the blood. Alphafetoprotein Testing is not a diagnostic test but is part of a triple screen test. It is done to evaluate whether any further diagnostic testing is required or not.
AFP is a naturally produced substance, which is formed by liver of a fetus. The amount of alpha-fetoprotien in a pregnant woman helps to detect whether the fetus is suffering from any problem such as Down Syndrome or spina bifida or anencephaly. The abnormal levels of AFP also signal that there is more than one fetus, which is producing the protein. The test also helps to diagnose some rare conditions like chromosome syndromes.
Why is Alphafetoprotein Testing performed?
Alphafetoprotein Testing is generally carried out between 14th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy. But it is advisable to carry on the test during 16th to 18th week and measures three or four substances in the blood of a pregnant woman. If the AFP test shows abnormal results, then you need to carry out additional testing. An ultrasound test is performed to verify the pregnancy dates. It is also done to find out the fetal spine and defects in other body parts.
Procedure of Alphafetoprotein Testing:
The Alphafetoprotein Testing is performed by certain specific process. At first blood is taken form the pregnant woman. Ideally the woman needs to be pregnant for about 16th to 18th weeks. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for examination. The results come out within one or two weeks after the test. It may also take less time.
Benefits of Alphafetoprotein Screening:
This test helps to identify those women who are at risk of having a baby with birth defect. The medical test also help to determine whether any further test is required for the pregnant woman.
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Risks involved in Alphafetoprotein Testing:
The test does not involve any sort of risk. However, a little complication may develop. It may happen that small bruises develop at the puncture area. People who have bleeding disorder can face the problem of hemorrhage. Inflammation may also occur in the veins from, which the blood sample is taken.
The accuracy of Alphafetoprotein Testing can be altered due to two factors – smoking and some recent medical test which uses radioactive traces. The level of AFP is increased due to smoking.
For further information about Pregnancy and Tests refer to our website Pregnancyxl.com
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