Alpha-1-Fetoprotein

What is this test?

This test measures alpha-fetoprotein in your amniotic fluid. It is used to check an unborn baby for
open neural tube defects, including spina bifida. It may also be used as a tumor marker.

What are the other names for this test?

AFP, Alpha1-Fetoprotein

What are related tests?

  • Acetylcholinesterase measurement, amniotic fluid

  • Ultrasonography

  • MS alpha-fetoprotein level

Why may I need this test?

Laboratory tests may be done for routine screening, or if a disease or toxicity is suspected.
Laboratory tests may also be required for professional or legal reasons, or to measure the
success or failure of your medication or treatment plan. If you have a medical condition,
laboratory tests may be used to help monitor that condition. The following are possible reason
why this test may be done:

  • Neural tube defect
  • Certain Tumors

When and how often should I have this test?

  • When and how often you have this test depends on the reason you are having the test,
    your treatment plan, and many other factors.

What are the risks?

  • Amniotic fluid: Amniocentesis risks include bleeding, infection, and hematoma development
    at the puncture site. After an amniocentesis, you may experience bleeding or leaking of
    amniotic fluid from the vagina. You may develop a fever, have severe abdominal and pelvic
    cramping, or go into labor. During the amniocentesis, there is a possibility that your baby
    will be injured by the needle used to collect fluid. There is a 1 in 200 to 1 in 400 chance
    that your baby will not survive the procedure. Talk to your healthcare worker about any
    concerns you may have.

How should I get ready for the test?

  • Your signature on a consent form is required for an amniocentesis. Read the consent form
    completely and ask any questions that you may have before signing the consent form. Tell
    the person doing the amniocentesis if you have a history of premature labor, incompetent
    cervix, placenta previa or abruptio placentae, and if you are Rh negative. If ultrasound is
    used, you will need to drink extra fluids and have a full bladder for the procedure.

How is the test done?

  • For an amniocentesis, you will lie on your back on a bed with your legs extended. You may
    be asked to raise your arms above your head. Usually, an ultrasound will be done at the
    same time as the amniocentesis. The ultrasound is used to locate your unborn baby, the
    placenta, and a pocket of amniotic fluid that is suitable for testing. The point selected for
    the needle insertion will be away from your baby and the placenta.

  • Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and a sterile area will be prepared.
    You will be given anesthetic to numb your skin. When the area is numb, a needle will be
    introduced through your skin and into the amniotic sac. Using ultrasound as a guide for
    needle placement, a small amount of amniotic fluid will be withdrawn and thrown away, and
    then the sample will be collected. More than one needle and syringe may be needed to
    collect the sample. If your unborn baby moves toward the needle during the procedure, the
    needle will be withdrawn and the procedure may need to be repeated.

  • When enough fluid has been collected, the needle will be withdrawn, and direct pressure
    will be placed over the site. A dressing will be secured over the area. To ensure that the
    baby is okay, ultrasound and fetal monitoring may be done immediately after the test.

How will the test feel?

  • During an amniocentesis, you may feel mild discomfort at the location where the needle is
    inserted into the skin to numb the area and when the procedure needle is inserted. You
    may feel mild cramping in your abdomen and pelvic area during the procedure.

What should I do after the test?

  • After an amniocentesis, rest is necessary. Do not have intercourse, and avoid heavy lifting
    for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

  • Contact your healthcare worker if there is redness, swelling, pus, drainage, or pain at the
    site where the sample was taken. Alert your healthcare worker immediately if you see
    bleeding or clear fluid leaking from your vagina, feel severe cramping in your abdominal or
    pelvic area, or develop a fever. Inform healthcare workers of any change in your baby's
    movement, such as not moving for a period of time, or suddenly moving more than usual
    after this procedure.

What are normal results for this test?

  • Laboratory test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the
    method used for the test, and many other factors. If your results are different from the
    results suggested below, this may not mean that you have a disease. The following are
    considered to be normal results for this test:

·          Pregnancy

  • 15 weeks' gestation: 16.3 mcg/mL (16.3 mg/L)

  • 16 weeks' gestation: 14.5 mcg/mL (14.5 mg/L)

  • 17 weeks' gestation: 13.4  mcg/mL (13.4 mg/L)

  • 18 weeks' gestation: 12 mcg/mL (12 mg/L)

  • 19 weeks' gestation: 10.7 mcg/mL (10.7 mg/L)

  • 20 weeks' gestation: 8.1 mcg/mL (8.1 mg/L)

·          Twin pregnancy: Values are 2 times higher

·          Blacks: Values are 15% higher

·          Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Values are 20% lower

What follow up should I do after this test?

  • Contact your healthcare worker for the results of your amniocentesis. It may take 7 to 10
    days before the results are available. There is a possibility that you will need to have the
    amniocentesis procedure repeated.

Where can I get more information?

  • National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC
Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/

  • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
PO Box 3006
Rockville, MD 20847
Phone: 800-370-2943
Web Address: www.nichd.nih.gov
Alpha-1-Fetoprotein
Scott D Olson   257 W Delaware Circle Littleton, CO 80120
720-255-3188
Wellbright LLC
Click Here to contact me via e-mail at scott@wellbrightllc.com