What is an AFP?

Question

I'm 22 yrs. & I'm 23 wks pregnant and I missed my AFP, so my doctor scheduled me an appt. for this coming Monday. I want to know what is an AFP, and if it's really necessary for me to have one done?

Answer 1

It's a blood test done to test for abnormalities. It's usually done at the end of the first or into the second trimester.

You don't have to get this done, as it's a personal choice.

If your levels came back elevated you would then have to decide whether you were going to proceed with further testing and go for an amniocentesis (which has it's own set of risks).

Answer 2

Alpha Fetal Protein. No you don't have to have one. All it tells the doctor is if your protien levals are higher than normal which might indicate a genetic problem with the baby such as spinal bifida or down syndrome.
Most of the time, if the test comes back high, the doctor will want to do an amnio to be certain and most of the time there is NO problem. My sister had this done had the amnio and her results came back fine (healty boy) but the needle from the amnio caused her water to break at 23 weeks and she gave birth 3 days later to my 1 pound 6 ounce nephew who only lived for 20 minutes.
If you get the AFP done, DO NOT do the amnio......please!!!!!

Answer 3

AFP Test
The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is available to women between their 15th and 20th week of pregnancy to screen for fetal abnormalities. This simple blood test measures the level of a protein called alpha-fetoprotein which is secreted by the liver of the fetus and enters the mother's blood stream. Elevated levels of AFP may indicate an increased risk of defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly, while low levels suggest Down syndrome or other chromosomal defects.

The AFP test does not determine the existence of genetic disorders; it only predicts their likelihood. And while the AFP test is most often used to screen for these defects, it can also be used to identify abdominal wall defects, some renal and urinary tract abnormalities, turner syndrome, low birth weight, and placental complications. An incorrectly-calculated gestational age and multiple fetuses can also cause abnormal AFP levels.

Results are usually available about a week after testing and are given in the form of either a positive/negative or a risk ranking, such as 1:270 chance of having a baby with Down syndrome. If your test results indicate an elevated risk, your doctor will recommend you see a genetic counselor and have additional testing such as a second AFP test, amniocentesis or CVS (Chorionic Villi Sampling).

The AFP test is often part of a triple screen test that measures not only AFP, but hCG and estriol (an estrogen produced by the fetus and placenta) as well. The triple screen is replacing the standard AFP test in many areas because it is more accurate and screens for additional genetic problems.

One of the drawbacks of the AFP test is the high rate of false-positive results, or incorrect results that indicate a potential genetic problem in a healthy fetus. These results often prompt the woman to submit to additional tests, such as amniocentesis, which carry a risk of miscarriage or harm to the fetus. It is estimated that in more than 80 percent of abnormal results the baby turns out to be perfectly healthy.

The decision to have an AFP test performed is a very personal and difficult one to make. Knowing that a defect exists may affect prenatal care, delivery methods, and postnatal treatment. In addition, some women want to prepare themselves for what may lie ahead, or terminate the pregnancy early if a problem is found. Others know they would never terminate the pregnancy and for them, the testing is unnecessary.

Answer 4

AFP stands for Alphafetaprotein, and it's just some tests they like to run on expecting mothers to test for certain diseases and maybe to check and see if you are a carrier of any kind of disease that may need to be checked out as far as your baby is concerned.

Answer 5

I have never heard of an afp but if your concerned you should ask your doctor to explain it to you and then make a decision about it

Answer 6

its a test 2 check for problems with ur baby