The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is a test that is performed during pregnancy of maternal blood or fetal amniotic fluid at 16-19 weeks of gestation. The amniotic test is more invasive than the maternal blood test. The protein is synthesized by yolk sac and liver of the fetus and is also expressed in the adult in some liver cancers.
Abnormal amounts of the protein may indicate genetic or developmental problems in the fetus.
Low levels of AFP normally occur in the blood of a pregnant woman.
High levels may indicate neural tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly), the neural tube defect allows AFP to leak through into the amniotic fluid.
This test can also be used in non-pregnacy testing of clinical conditions (including liver cancer).
Alternative name- Fetal alpha globulin
Page Links: Introduction | AFP Levels | Some Recent Findings | Protein Structure | Liver Cancer | References | Search PubMed | WWW Links | Glossary
AFP is a member of the albuminoid gene superfamily which includes, serum albumin, vitamin D binding protein and alpha-albumin (afamin).
Mizejewski GJ. Biological roles of alpha-fetoprotein during pregnancy and perinatal development. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2004 Jun;229(6):439-63.
Adult Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detected by serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) as a tumor marker.
1988 recommendations for neonates be assessed for follow-up care under the following conditions.
(see the NHMRC WWW Page)
Isolation and characterization of a human fetal-alpha-globulin from the sera of fetuses and a hepatoma patient. Nishi S. Cancer Res. 1970 Oct;30(10):2507-13.
Alpha-fetoprotein, free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, and dimeric inhibin A produce the best results in a three-analyte, multiple-marker screening test for fetal Down syndrome. Wenstrom KD, Owen J, Chu DC, Boots L. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1997 Nov;177(5):987-91.
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Each section of the notes covering early development and specific systems contain references to specific abnormalities (on Page 2 of each notes section). The best source for Australian statistical data is the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Perinatal Statistics Unit, UNSW which publishes "Congenital Malformations Australia" every 2 years. Be aware that some congenital abnormalities, by their nature, affect multiple systems. In the USA, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) keeps and publishes relevant statistical information. A very difficult issue in abnormal development are the many different Ethical implications.
This current page is a link to Normal and Abnormal Development and Population Data.
Look at types of Abnormal Development that can occur during development.
Alternatively, look at normal development. Development Notes
For those wanting to see dynamic processes of development (and have a reasonably quick connection) then the Movies pages are good for watching changes occur.
The study of human development has relied extensively on studying the process in other model animals. For those wanting to see the process of development in other species then the other embryos pages are a good start.
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How do I find out if everything is OK with my developing baby and what are the tests that doctors carry out?
Prenatal diagnosis is based the various types of tests that can be carried out to inform parents and clinicians. With the rising age of mothers in Australia and new knowledge about family genetic history these tools are useful in helping clinicians check the developing fetus. Note that some tests, like ultrasound, are relatively non-invasive, informative, and carried out in many suburban clinics.
See also the Prenatal Diagnosis page NSW Pamphlet Checking your baby's health before birth.
Please email Dr Mark Hill if you wish to make a comment about this current project.