The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is a blood test that is performed during pregnancy. This screening test measures the level of AFP in the mother's blood and indicates the probability that the fetus has one of several serious birth defects.
A serum pregnancy test is a blood test performed in a physician's office or laboratory to get quantitative hCG. A "triple screen" is a blood test for hCG, AFP, and uE3. The other type of pregnancy test is an over-the-counter test which examines urine for the presence of hCG.
Since an AFP test is only a screening tool, more specific tests must follow to make an accurate diagnosis. An abnormal test result does not necessarily mean that the fetus has a birth defect.
The first signs of pregnancy is the Ultrasound Confirmation. An ultrasound image can indicate wirhout a doubt if there is more than one fetus. An other signs for pregnancy is a abnormal AFP test result. AFP (Alphafetoprotein) screening is a blood test performed on pregnant mothers during the second trimester.
The AFP test cannot be used by itself to confirm a diagnosis of liver cancer, because cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis can also produce high alpha-fetoprotein levels.
It is a test for Alpha-fetoprotein. It is a test that can monitor a person's response to cancer therapy by measuring a specific blood protein level. It can also be a test for detecting birth defects in a developing fetus. Alpha-fetoprotein is produced by fetal tissue in unborn babies and also by tumors.
AFP : alpha feto protein. This is the main tumour marker used in germ cell tumours, i.e. testicular, ovarian and teratoma. AFP also is the most specific and ideal tumor marker for primary carcinoma of liver (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
The Commissioner of the AFP is Mick Keelty.
IndicationsAlpha fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced by the liver and yolk sac of a fetus. AFP has no normal function in adults. The alpha fetoprotein test (AFP) is a blood test performed to measure, diagnose, or monitor fetal distress or fetal abnormalities. It can also detect some liver disorders and some cancers in adults.During pregnancy, this test, along with the examination of amniotic fluid (amniocentesis), can help detect fetal spinal bifida or other defects of the fetus' neural tube.ProcedureThe AFP test involves taking a blood sample. Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.Usually, there is little pain associated with a blood drawing. When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate discomfort, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation.There are few risks with this test:Excessive bleeding.Fainting or feeling lightheaded.Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin).Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken).Multiple punctures to locate veins.ResultsNormal AFP levels for men for for non-pregnant women are less than 300 nanograms per milliliter.Greater-than-normal levels of AFP in men and non-pregnant women may indicate:cancer in testes, ovaries, biliary (liver secretion) tract, stomach, or pancreascirrhosis of the liverliver cancermalignant teratomarecovery from hepatitisDuring pregnancy, increased levels of AFP may indicate:Fetal defects.Spina bifida.Anencephaly.Omphalocele.Tetralogy of Fallot.Duodenal atresia.Turner's syndrome.Intrauterine death.Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/12/2011Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The duration of AFP - TV series - is 1320.0 seconds.
AFP - TV series - was created in 2011-04.
The motto of AFP Western Mindanao Command is 'Katapangan'.