MSAFP Screening

Last Friday I stopped by the doctor's office for my MSAFP screening. Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Screening is a test that examines the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mother's blood during pregnancy.

WHAT DOES THE SCREENING DETECT/LOOK FOR?
Alpha- fetoprotein(AFP) is found in both fetal serum and also amniotic fluid. This protein is produced early in gestation by the fetal yolk sac and then later in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. The true function of AFP is unknown. We do know that this protein’s level increases and decreases during certain weeks of pregnancy which is why accurate pregnancy dating is crucial.

The AFP test is measuring high and low levels of alpha-fetoprotein. The results are combined with the mother’s age and ethnicity in order to assess probabilities of potential genetic disorders.

High levels of AFP may suggest that the developing baby has a neural tube defect such as spina bifida or anencephaly. High levels of AFP may also suggest defects with the esophagus or a failure of your baby's abdomen to close.However, the most common reason for elevated AFP levels is inaccurate dating of the pregnancy.

Low levels of AFP and abnormal levels of hCG and estriol may indicate that the developing baby has Trisomy 21( Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) or another type of chromosome abnormality.

Abnormal levels may also be a result of the following:

A multiples pregnancy
Pregnancies that are more or less advanced than thought


WHAT DO THE RESULTS MEAN?
It is important to remember that the AFP is a screening test and not a diagnostic test. This test only notes that a mother is at risk of carrying a baby with a potential disorder. There are approximately 25 to 50 abnormal test results for every 1,000 pregnancies tested. Of these abnormal results, only 1 in 16 to 1 in 33 will actually have a baby that has been affected with a neural tube defect or other condition. The benefit of screening is that 75% to 90% of babies with neural tube defects are discovered.

Abnormal test results warrant additional testing for making a diagnosis. A more conservative approach involves performing a second MSAFP or complete triple screen test followed by a high definition ultrasound. If the testing still maintains abnormal results, a more invasive procedure such as amniocentesis may be performed.

Invasive procedures should be discussed thoroughly with your healthcare provider. It is also important to talk through further testing with you partner. Additional counseling and discussions with a counselor, social worker or minister may prove helpful.


We are able to call for the results of the screening this Friday, 14 December. Prayers and thoughts are always welcome!

xoxo
la maman