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AFP Test

What is the AFP Test?

The AFP test is known as Alpha fetoprotein and is an essential protein that is present in the baby’s blood from the day the baby is born until the first three months.

In other words, the basic protein found in the baby’s blood until the first three months after the fetal stage is called AFP. So, it is called Alpha fetoprotein. This protein decreases over time in the blood of babies. In this context, therefore, it is obvious that it is a temporary protein.

In adults, this protein is formed by the secretion of AFP by cancer cells. The AFP test in question is a test for pregnant women. The afp test, which we can also call a blood test, is generally administered during certain periods of pregnancy.

What is AFP?

AFP is a protein that is present in the baby’s blood from the day the baby is born until the first three months. AFP can also be called a protein produced by the liver of the unborn baby, the vitellus sac and, in very small quantities, the gastrointestinal system during pregnancy. In short, it would be possible to say that it is an essential protein for AFP.

The expression of AFP is known as Alpha fetoprotein. As can be understood from the name alpha fetoprotein, AFP is a very important protein during pregnancy. It is also called a screening test performed during pregnancy for AFP. The AFP test, which also appears in this context, is an important test applied to pregnant women.

Why Is the AFP Test Performed?

So, why is the AFP test done? The AFP test, i.e. the Alpha fetoprotein test, is performed to assess the presence of diseases such as anencephaly bifida and spina in the baby (fetus). Of course, AFP testing is not performed only for the diagnosis of certain diseases in the fetus.

At the same time, an AFP test is also performed to detect the disease, known in the field of health science as omphalocele, defined as the overflow of part of the baby’s intestines out of the body.

The AFP test is very important to prevent the baby’s intestines from overflowing out of the body, also known as an abdominal defect. As can be understood from these explanations, the AFP test is a very important test that should definitely be performed during pregnancy.

What is the Normal AFP Value?

It will be healthy to pay close attention and care to the normal values of AFP. The normal values of AFP are between 0-40 ng/mL in men, while non-pregnant women are between 0-40 ng/mL. Deciency of AFP is also found in men and women. Deciency of AFP is between 0-40 ng/mL in women who are not pregnant. Depending on this, pregnant women are also between 10-150 ng / mL. Dec. AFP, which we know as alpha fetoprotein, should not be too high or too low.

In the case of AFP, if pregnant women are also very high, this indicates that the baby who will be born will be born defective. A high AFP value in normal people indicates that diseases such as breast cancer, cirrhosis will occur. As a result, having an AFP test and being treated under the supervision of a doctor, you will be healthy.

Causes of AFP Miscarriage

There may be many reasons for AFP miscarriage, which is quite curious within the scope of health science. This is exactly the point of the reasons for the AFP miscarriage.

  • Spina bifida
  • Very early, twin baby or multiple baby birth
  • Chromosomal abnormalities
  • The formation of a defect in the abdominal wall of the baby (fetus)
  • The formation of defects in the nerves that negatively affect the development of the spine and brain is also one of the reasons for low AFP.

AFP miscarriage, women who are not pregnant may also indicate the absence of certain diseases or types of cancer. At the same time, AFT miscarriage during pregnancy may indicate a chromosomal abnormality such as Edwards syndrome or down syndrome.

Reasons for the Height of AFP

While there are many reasons for low AFP, there are also many reasons for high AFP. Here are the reasons for the AFP height;

  • If a pregnant woman has been given an AFP test and the test result is high, this means that the baby has a neural tube defect. But it has been observed that AFP height may increase due to incorrect calculation of pregnancy date.
  • AFP height in non-pregnant women may indicate cancer types. It can also indicate liver diseases, in particular. At the same time, AFP height may occur due to the tumor problem.
  • Cirrhosis and hepatitis diseases are also the causes of AFP elevation.
  • Cancers of the liver, lymph, testis, germ cell, vitellous sac, lung, pancreas, breast, colon

What Does AFP Height Mean in Pregnant Women?

A high AFP level in pregnant women indicates a neural tube defect in the fetus in the womb, that is, in the baby. However, it has been observed that the high AFP rate in pregnant women may also occur due to the result of miscalculation of the pregnancy date.

Therefore, it is necessary to pay close attention and apply the AFP test under the control of a doctor. Some of the problems caused by AFP height are as follows;

  • Kidney problems
  • Skin problems
  • Down syndrome
  • Anencephaly
  • Fetal death
  • Separation of the placenta from the uterus
  • Blood pressure elevation
  • Swelling problems
  • Oligohydramnios

What Causes AFP Miscarriage During Pregnancy?

If the AFP test result performed during pregnancy is lower than the normal level, this condition indicates down syndrome in the baby who will be born.

At the same time, it is obvious that the fetus in the abdominal region will have genetic problems related to brain development. Accordingly, some of the causes of AFP miscarriage during pregnancy are as follows;

  • Defects in the baby’s abdominal wall
  • Chromosomal abnormalities
  • Quick birth
  • Open neural pathway defects such as bifid spine
  • A serious nervous tract problems that affect the development of the baby’s brain and spine

AFP Test Prices 2024

One of the most curious factors within the scope of the AFP test, i.e. Alpha fetoprotein test, is the AFP test fee. Although the fee for the AFP test is not known clearly, it is possible to find out by calling the institution to which you will apply for the test.

At the same time, you can make an appointment by phone from the institution where you will apply for the AFP test. In addition, you can personally apply to the institution that provides services within the scope of health and find out the AFP test fee in a healthy way. You can contact us immediately to get information about afp test prices 2024.