Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Dako Test Cost & Procedure

An alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) examination is what?

A blood examination called an AFP examination measures the numeral of AFP molecules in the patient's blood. In the second trimester of pregnancy, it typically forms a part of a quad or triple screen. Yet it can also be helpful for grownups who aren't expecting.

Unborn children's liver, GI tract, and yolk sac create AFP. Then it moves through the maternal and foetal blood. Although statuses are normally quiet, AFP is present in the blood of non-pregnant populace. Adults without pregnancy who have high AFP levels typically have certain forms of liver disease.

Why do I require a test for alpha-fetoprotein?

Here between 14th and 22nd weeks of their pregnancy, expectant mothers have a regular screening test called an AFP test. It is crucial to know the precise date that you become pregnant because this estimate is most reliable between weeks 16 and 18.

An AFP examination is normally contained in a an enclosure mesh. During this screening, your levels of:

• Estriol, a hormone generated by your placenta and your unborn child's liver, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and inhibin A, a hormone produced by your placenta
• The likelihood that your unborn child has a genetic birth defect will be estimated by doctors using the findings of your quad screen, your age, and your ethnicity.

For mothers who have a an elevated opportunity of providing delivery to infants with delivery irregularities, such as those who:

• who used toxic drugs or pharmaceuticals during their pregnancy and are 35 years of age or older with a record of birth abnormalities
• those with diabetes

An AFP test can aid in the diagnosis and follow-up of several liver disorders, such as liver cancer, cirrhosis, and hepatitis, even if you are not pregnant. It can also aid in the detection of a number of different malignancies, such as tumours of the:

• testes
• ovaries
• biliary tract
• stomach
• pancreas

What dangers might an alpha-fetoprotein test bring about?

The hazards of getting your blood collected for an AFP test are extremely minimal. You can get a minor feeling of dizziness, discomfort, or pain where the puncture was made. There is a slight possibility of severe bleeding, also known as hematoma, which happens when blood gathers beneath your skin. Moreover, there is an extremely slight opportunity of ailment at the punch location.

How is a test for alpha-fetoprotein carried out?

For an AFP test, you must have your blood extracted. An outpatient strategy that is normally held out in a diagnostic lab is retaining blood drawn. It only puts up with a few minutes, and it's not too unbearable. Before an AFP test, there is no additional preparation required.