There are different tests conducted during pregnancy, and the alpha-fetoprotein test is among them. It is used to identify any potential genetic problems. The level of this protein, which is found in the amniotic fluid, as well as the fetal serum, tends to increase or decrease during certain phases of pregnancy. This test can also be conducted to detect various health conditions. Let’s find out more about the test and its implications.

Advantages of the alpha-fetoprotein test
The alpha-fetoprotein test aids in identifying women that may have a greater risk of delivering a baby with a birth defect. The test also helps in recognizing pregnant women who require additional testing during their pregnancy. The alpha-fetoprotein test is a simple blood test that can be performed at any diagnostic lab or hospital by a specialist.

Who needs this test, and when should it be performed?
The alpha-fetoprotein test for pregnant women is performed between the 14th to 22nd weeks of pregnancy. The most accurate results of the tests are, however, determined between the 16th week to 18th week period. The test is conducted on all women attaining motherhood, but it is specifically suggested for women who have:

Birth defects run in their family history.
Women who have attained the age of 35 or more.
Women who have been advised hard supplements during pregnancy.
Women who suffer from diabetes.

For people who are not pregnant, the alpha-fetoprotein test aids in identifying and managing specific liver conditions that include hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. This test can also help to detect various forms of cancer that affects the ovaries, stomach, pancreas, and more.

What does the alpha-fetoprotein test reveal?
The alpha-fetoprotein test is done to measure the highest and lowest levels of the alpha-fetoprotein present in the blood. The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level is studied in relation to other factors, such as the mother’s age and ethnicity, to determine the possibility of a genetic disorder.

The GI tract, liver, and yolk sac of a baby who is still in the womb produce AFP. The protein is then known to move through the fetal as well as maternal blood. It is important to determine the exact conception date to get accurate results. An elevated level of AFP may indicate neural tube defects in the unborn baby, such as anencephaly or defects in the esophagus. However, an inaccurate conception date can also be a possible reason for an elevated alpha-fetoprotein level. Alternatively, low levels of the protein or abnormal levels of HCG as well as estriol may demonstrate that the unborn baby has Trisomy 21 or Down’s syndrome. The presence of other forms of chromosome abnormalities can exist as well.

A decrease in the alpha-fetoprotein level may indicate multiple pregnancies or pregnancies that are more advanced or premature than determined. For people who are not pregnant, low or high levels of AFP in their blood could be an indication of a specific form of liver disease or certain types of cancer.

Implications of test results
The alpha-fetoprotein test tends to change with age and race and the normal range of the test for both men and non-pregnant women fall between 0ng/ml to 40ng/ml.

The AFP range tends to increase during pregnancy starting in the 14th week and going till the 32nd week of gestation. Levels during the 15th to 20th week falls between 10ng/ml to 150ng/ml.

Non-pregnant adults who have been suffering from liver cirrhosis and whose alpha-fetoprotein level is more than 200ng/ml could be due to hepatocellular carcinoma.

Factors that may demonstrate a false-positive report
Patients who have recently undergone radio diagnosis involving radioactive tracers.

Women who may have multiple gestations.
Women suffering from gestational diabetes.
Ethnicity
Depending on the weight of the patient, AFP levels can be adjusted.

What are the possible risks of this test?
If test results demonstrate abnormal levels even after repeated testing, the person may be advised a more invasive procedure known as amniocentesis. People who opt for this test should be provided with information about the whole procedure and its side effects.

Some side effects associated with the test comprise obstetric mishap post amniocentesis, a possible miscarriage, preterm labor, infection, injury to the baby in the womb, and more. Patients may also experience complications just after the procedure, including cramp-like discomfort that can last for a few hours. However, severe complications such as vaginal bleeding or discharge should not be ignored and need the attention of a health professional immediately.