Alpha Fetoprotein Test is used to measure the level of alpha fetoprotein during pregnancy to check the baby risk for the certain genetic disorders and birth defects This test is usually conducted between 15-20 weeks of the...
Alpha Fetoprotein Test is used to measure the level of alpha fetoprotein during pregnancy to check the baby risk for the certain genetic disorders and birth defects. This test is usually conducted between 15-20 weeks of the pregnancy.
Role of AFP?
AFP is required for the normal functioning of the baby body during their development.Certain conditions make the baby body to release more or less AFP. A high or low level of AFP when compared to normal level can give rise to certain congenital diseases such as
Down syndrome- A genetic disorder caused due to the extra copy of chromosome no 21 and causes intellectual disabilities along with impaired growth and development of the brain many abnormalities can be observed in the child having this condition.
A neural tube defect that causes an underdeveloped spine that interferes with the normal functioning of the brain as well as the abnormal development of the baby.
Uses of This Test
An AFP test is mainly used to check the baby for certain genetic disorders like Down syndrome, neural tube defect,and to check for the other abnormalities associated with these disorders. This test does not diagnose any health condition but can be helpful to find out whether your baby has any health issues.
In non pregnant person it can be used for the diagnosis of certain cancer Alpha fetoprotein tumour marker test in this test tumour marker that are made by tumour cells or normal cells are checked for the identification of cancer as AFP level increases during certain cancer the test can be helpful in
- Help confirming the cause of cancer and diagnosis
- To predict the behaviour of cancer by regular monitoring of the AFP level
- To check the condition of Cancer affected part
Why Do We Need the AFP Test?
During pregnancy it is required to ge routine test to check for the normal AFP level and your doctor specially recommends you this test when:-
- If you have age more than 35
- Have a family history of Birth defect
- If Drug or medication used during pregnancy
Procedure for AFP Test
- Healthcare will take blood sample from your vein by using small needle
- Collection of blood in small vials
- Examination of blood using Test suggested as per the health condition
Significance of AFP Test
This test is basically used to check the normal levels of AFP in your blood especially in pregnant woman's this test can helps us to predict the exact cause of the AFP level fluctuation and provides information about the problem associated with High and low level of AFP
Lower than AFP level means the baby is having a genetic disorder like Down Syndrome that affects the brain's growth and development.
Higher level of AFP means the baby has the chance to have problems like Spina bifida and Anencephaly.
- Spina bifida is a condition in which bones of the spine does not cover the spinal cord
- Anencephaly associated with the condition for improper brain growth and development
Conclusion
AFP tests are very helpful for identifying if a baby can have any kind of disorders depending upon the level of AFP. This test can be helpful for determining the genetic disorders of the developing baby as well as in non pregnant individuals. This can be used for the diagnosis of cancer by through proper management cure for this disease is also possible.
FAQ Related Alpha fetoprotein test
Why do I need this test?
This test is required to check the AFP levels during pregnancy to check for the genetic disorders like Spina bifida,down syndrome and for diagnosing cancer in non pregnant persons
Are there any risks of this test?
There are no risk at all for this test the person may feel slight pain during pricking of needle
Is there anything else one needs to know about this test?
Along with the AFP test A triple screen test can be included that tests for:
- Alpha fetoprotein
- Human chorionic gonadotropin(produced by placenta)
- Estriol (Made by baby and placenta)
