Glossary / Lexicon

Maternal-serum Alpha-fetoprotein screening (MSAFP) refers to a blood test used during early pregnancy to determine neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly.

Description

Maternal-serum alpha-fetoprotein screening, also known as AFP screening, is a prenatal test used to assess the risk of certain fetal abnormalities, particularly neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. During pregnancy, the fetus produces alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein that crosses the placenta and enters the mother's bloodstream. AFP levels in maternal serum can provide valuable information about the health of the developing fetus. This screening test involves measuring AFP levels in a pregnant woman's blood sample, typically between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. Deviations from normal AFP levels may indicate a higher risk of neural tube defects or other fetal abnormalities, prompting further diagnostic testing or monitoring.

Application Areas

• Prenatal care
• Obstetrics
• Genetic counseling
• Fetal medicine

Treatment and Risks

• Treatment: Maternal-serum alpha-fetoprotein screening itself does not involve treatment but serves as a tool for identifying pregnancies at higher risk of certain fetal abnormalities. Depending on the results, further diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, amniocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and guide subsequent management decisions.
• Risks: While AFP screening is a valuable tool in prenatal care, it is not diagnostic and may yield false-positive or false-negative results. False-positive results may lead to unnecessary anxiety and invasive diagnostic procedures, while false-negative results may provide a false sense of reassurance. Additionally, AFP screening does not detect all types of birth defects or chromosomal abnormalities, highlighting the importance of comprehensive prenatal evaluation and counseling.

Examples

• A pregnant woman undergoes AFP screening as part of routine prenatal care to assess the risk of neural tube defects in her developing fetus.
• Following abnormal AFP levels detected on screening, a pregnant individual undergoes additional diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or amniocentesis to further evaluate the fetal condition.
• Genetic counselors use AFP screening results to provide information and support to expectant parents, helping them make informed decisions about their pregnancy and potential medical interventions.

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Maternal serum screening
• Alpha-fetoprotein test
• AFP test
• Triple screen test

Summary

Maternal-serum alpha-fetoprotein screening is a prenatal test used to assess the risk of neural tube defects and other fetal abnormalities by measuring alpha-fetoprotein levels in a pregnant woman's blood. While it serves as a valuable tool in prenatal care, AFP screening is not diagnostic and may yield false-positive or false-negative results, necessitating further evaluation and counseling. Despite its limitations, AFP screening plays a crucial role in identifying pregnancies at higher risk of certain birth defects, enabling timely interventions and informed decision-making in prenatal care.