Tests During Pregnancy: Maternal Serum Alpha Fetoprotein MSAFP--AFP

The Pregnancy HelpDesk

Maternal Serum Alpha Fetoprotein (MSAFP ):

This procedure is usually done around the 16^th to 18^th week of pregnancy. You will be given a blood test that detects low levels of MSAFP and information telling you what the results could mean. Before having the test done, it is best to realize false positives are common.

The test can indicate the following things:

Spina Bifida (opening in the spinal column)

Anencephaly (missing part of the brain)

Down Syndrome

Other Chromosomal Abnormalities

What if the test indicates low levels of MSAFP?

Usually the doctor will tell you that false positives are common and you can have some other tests to backup the MSAFP. They may do an ultrasound, amniocentesis (increases chance for miscarriage) or other testing procedures.