Question 1

what does a low alpha fetoprotein level mean?

Accepted Answer

Alphafetoprotein: Very low levels of AFP measured between 16-18 weeks of pregnancy can be associated with chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, most commonly down's syndrome. Further testing by amniocentesis will rule this out. It may also b a red flag for intrauterine growth restriction and preterm birth. Will need closer observation and testing.

Question 2

what can cause an elevated alpha fetoprotein level?

Accepted Answer

Different diseases: In pregnancy, elevated alpha fetoprotein levels in a woman's serum can indicate fetal abnormalities, like neural tube defects (spina bifida) or ventral wall defects like omphalocele. Outside pregnancy the levels can be elevated in liver cancer or cancer of the germ cells (ovary, testes).

Question 3

my blood level of alpha fetoprotein is 29. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

AFP=29: Normal range for AFP in 15-18-week-pregnant female is 10-150 ng/ml or mcg/l; normal range in non-pregnant female  is 0-40 ng/ml or mcg/l. See chart for interpretation of high or low values (yours is in normal range).

Question 4

what can cause low afp (alpha fetoprotein) levels in a pregnant woman?

Accepted Answer

Low AFP: Low AFP is associated with Down's syndrome, but some women do have a low AFP that is unexplained.  At 39 you should have already been offered a level 2 ultrasound and genetic testing.  If you don't feel comfortable with having an amniocentesis, a cell free dNA test can be done through your blood.

Question 5

what alpha fetoprotein level would suggest hepatocellular carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Alfa feto protein : Normally in the upper hundreds or thousands as i recall.

Question 6

when did alpha fetoprotein testing start?

Accepted Answer

1980's: The Alpha fetoprotein test was around when i was a resident physician. The test has progressed through the y ears such that there are four levels measured in the pregnant woman's blood looking for the risk of down's syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18 & neural tube defects like spina bifida.  This is called the quadruple screen best measured between 16 & weeks of pregnancy.

Question 7

can dehydration cause slightly elevated alpha fetoprotein?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration and labs: Dehydration can raise some blood values. Most notably, sodium, chloride, BUN and creatinine are elevated due to less water in the blood. Likewise, Alpha fetoprotein can also be elevated and you would have to see how how the elevation is and how the severe the patient's dehydration was at the time the blood sample was taken. Ask the physician who ordered the test for her input.

Question 8

my female friend has an alpha-fetoprotein (afp) number of 20.91 ng/ml . . . what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Is she pregnant?: The AFP concentration in maternal serum rises throughout pregnancy and goes to about 220 ng/ml. There should be

Question 9

what do you suggest if my female friend has an alpha-fetoprotein (afp) number of 20.91 ng/ml . . .?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant or not?: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)  is used during pregnancy as part of the "Quad Screen".  This is a test that includes AFP and three other blood chemicals to screen for Trisomy 18, Trisomy 21 and Neural Tube defects.   If the quad screen is abnormal, a referral to see a perinatologist for a detailed ultrasound and additional testing is in order.  AFP can also be tested as part of a cancer work-up.

Question 10

what are alpha-fetoprotein tests in pregnancy for?

Accepted Answer

Screening: There are now four tests (quadruple screening) looking for the risks of down's syndrome, trisomy 18 (lethal for babies) as well as neural tube defects such as spina bifida, meningomyelocele and hydrocephalus.

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Normal alpha fetoprotein levels

A member asked:

What does a low alpha fetoprotein level mean?

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What can cause an elevated alpha fetoprotein level?

A member asked:

My blood level of alpha fetoprotein is 29. what does this mean?

A member asked:

What can cause low afp (alpha fetoprotein) levels in a pregnant woman?

A member asked:

What alpha fetoprotein level would suggest hepatocellular carcinoma?

A member asked:

When did alpha fetoprotein testing start?

A member asked:

Can dehydration cause slightly elevated alpha fetoprotein?

A member asked:

My female friend has an alpha-fetoprotein (afp) number of 20.91 ng/ml . . . what does this mean?

A member asked:

What do you suggest if my female friend has an alpha-fetoprotein (afp) number of 20.91 ng/ml . . .?

A member asked:

What are alpha-fetoprotein tests in pregnancy for?

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