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What does anyone know about the Alpha feta protein test?
(April 14, 2010)
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During pregnancy, the fetus has to be examined for certain conditions. The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is used for this. With this test one is able to measure the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) that is present in the blood, and this would help to indicate if the fetus has some serious birth defect. A sample of amniotic fluid is analyzed to determine the levels of AFP. The limitation of this test is that it cannot diagnose any particular condition; it only indicates the fact that there is an increased risk for several birth defects. This test can be beneficial in screening and finding out if children and infants have certain diseases. Diseases such as some cancerous tumors and liver problems can be detected with the help of the AFP test.
If the amount of AFP in the blood or amniotic fluid sample of the fetus is high it indicates a higher risk of some neural tube defect. This indicates that there could be some severe defects in the spinal cord or in the brain. Other indications that the AFP levels in the blood are high could be cysts at the rear end of the spine and kidney, urinary tract defects, brittle bone disease, and blockage in the intestines and esophagus. On the other hand, low levels of AFP could mean that the fetus has increased chances of having Down syndrome. Low levels of AFP could also mean that the mother’s weight is above normal or the fetus has died.
This test is generally conducted when the fetus is 16 week’s old. It involves drawing blood from the mother. This applies to a child who is being tested for AFP as well. A sample of the amniotic fluid could also be used to measure the levels of AFP. It takes about one week to get the results.
To ensure that the test results are accurate, it is important that the doctor be aware of how old the fetus is. It is important that you have some follow-up tests to ensure that your diagnosis is accurate. You need not prepare for the AFP test in any way. Just make sure that the bleeding does not continue from the place where the needle is punctured, and also take care that there is no infection at that spot. There are hardly any risks involved with this test, with the exception of the fact that the patient might be a little fainthearted and blood may accumulate under the puncture site.
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Submitted by M T on April 14, 2010 at 01:30
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