Jasdeep Kaur

Prof. Sargent
April 1p, 2011

Maternal Serum-Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP)

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is normally produced by the fetus' liver. It is

present in the amniotic fluid and a small amount crosses the placenta and moves into the
mother's blood stream.

MSAFP is a screening test that examines the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mother's
blood during pregnancy. Usually this test is done between 16th and 18th week of a
pregnancy to screen for any genetic problem. This test is offered to all pregnant women,
but it is especially recommended for: women who have a family history of birth defects,
Women who are 35 years or older, Women who used harmful medications or drugs
during pregnancy, and women who have diabetes
The results of this test are combined with other factors such as the mother’s age, weight,
race and week of pregnancy in order to assess probability 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. However, the most common reason for elevated AFP levels
is inaccurate dating of the pregnancy. Low levels of AFP 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: A
multiples pregnancy

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.