High/positive AFP test result? ::nervous::

DDKlar

So i had AFP test done last week and my doc called to have me go to a neonatologist this friday morning...

Anyone else have experience with getting a high/positive AFP result?

IU_baby

I don't have any experience, but those tests seem to have high false positive rates.  Have you Googled it?  I wish you and your DH the best of luck!

Luna76

Those tests have a high rate of false positives so relax. I had a high positive result with my DD and she is perfectly fine.

 

 

June3Bride2Be

This has been me for the last week and a half.  I got a positive screening for open neural tube defect and have been going crazy worrying.  The first thing my dr did was order the blood test again.  Some will order an ultrasound right away because my dr said the most common reason for a high AFP is incorrect gestational age.  Anyway, I repeated the blood test and this last one came back on Monday and it was negative so I am trying to stay positive. Oh and also I am seeing a specialist tomorrow morning for a high tech ultrasound to check everything out. Sorry I can't offer you more but I honestly am feeling very hopeful  now that I am past the initial freaking out.  My dr also told me like pp, this test can come back high/positive for many reasons, not always meaning a defect and lots of false positives. For my dr, she said for about every 20 people who get a positive screening, only about 1(on average) actually comes back with an actual birth defect. I'll let you know more once I get back from my appt. tomorrow. Good luck!

June3Bride2Be

By the way, I just looked at your ticker and noticed how far along you are...I'm pretty sure the AFP is only reliable between 15-22 weeks. Maybe that's why it came back high? Oh, and what part of your test came back high? DS or NTD? I know the cut-off for "normal" is 2.50, so maybe it was right on the edge. I'll be thinking of you.

bakemeacake

I would ask your dr. what your numbers are.  1.0 is "normal" and as another PP mentioned 2.5 is the cutoff for a "positive" result.  My result was "positive" and I spent 2 weeks worrying about all the horrible outcomes when I could have asked for my number and found out it was 2.58.  Yes, still positive, but the higher the number the more likely something is to be wrong and the worse the situation usually is (according to my genetic counselor).

 Anyway, we went in for a level II for the neural tube defect and all was well.  I was measuring about 5 days ahead of my EDD (which was based on an early ultrasound) and that could have easily caused a low grade positive.

 I'd tell you not to worry and that things will most likely be okay, but honestly, you are going to be nervous  until you get the all clear from the Dr.  Hopefully, though, finding out the numbers will at least allow you to relax a little bit.