AFP bloodwork?

Monkey304

I have this scheduled for tomorrow, but no one has told me what it is.

I'm guessing that I checked off that I wanted it when I began at my OB but honestly I don't remember what it is.

 

Can someone clue me in please?

littleanomaly

Alpha fetal protein or quad screening. Screens for things such as spina bifida, downs and some other stuff. Just remember it's a screening for possibilities, not a "yes/no your child has this." Prone to false positives.

Runningmama10

I had AFP4 and it was a blood screening for down syndrome and tube defects. 

Mt2G1012

I have a question about this.  So I had CVS and know there are no chromosomal issues with my baby.  But spina bifida/tube defects are not chromosomal, right?  Should I have this done to see about tube defects?  The cystic hygroma my baby has could be from a congenital problem (are tube defects considered congenital?) or she could be fine.  I'm going to ask at my f/u US to see if she is better on the 20th, but just curious if anyone on here knew.  TIA

Monkey304

So since I didn't have CVS, and AFP is prone to false positives, should I just not do it?

What happens if I get a positive result...what is the follow up to that an u/s?

Sorry for all of the questions... I spaced out at my last appointment and never asked.

Spacebunny19

Just to clarify, AFP is not quad screening unless they also include inhibin, then it's a quad screen.

I had my blood drawn on Friday for my AFP.  Basically, if something comes back odd, they will do more tests.  I expect my AFP results before my big U/S which is 5/25 (two weeks from today).  So I am assuming that if anything is unusual, the U/S may clarify some of that, and if not, let me know what other tests we might want to get.

As I said in a different post, we're keeping LO no matter what (unless LO doesn't stick around on his or her own,) but we like the idea of being prepared if we will have some extra challenges coming our way. 

Monkey304

Spacebunny19:

Just to clarify, AFP is not quad screening unless they also include inhibin, then it's a quad screen.

I had my blood drawn on Friday for my AFP.  Basically, if something comes back odd, they will do more tests.  I expect my AFP results before my big U/S which is 5/25 (two weeks from today).  So I am assuming that if anything is unusual, the U/S may clarify some of that, and if not, let me know what other tests we might want to get.

As I said in a different post, we're keeping LO no matter what (unless LO doesn't stick around on his or her own,) but we like the idea of being prepared if we will have some extra challenges coming our way. 

Thank you! And I completely agree. We are keeping LO no matter what life hands up, but we too would like to be prepared if there any going to be any challenges.