Anyone else having a AFP blood test done?

khf221979 · August 2015

so my OB is having me do a blood test to check afp levels. I read that there is a high false positive rate and I didn't know this until after I left the dr office and wanted to get more on the test itself. Why would they still recommend this test if there is a high false positive results? Anyone have this test done and get a positive result but everything turned out fine?

kmo8986 · August 2015

I had to have this done too. Apparently since I did the panorama instead of the quad, the panorama test doesn't test AFP level. My doctor made it seem like if the levels come back elevated and they find nothing wrong with the baby it is an indication that the mother is at higher risk for still born and pre eclampsia.

laxdixdar · August 2015

It can't have a false positive rate because it's only a screening tool. It will calculate your risk for certain issues not whether you actually have the issue.

That being said there is a 5 percent chance your labs are wrong.... and several things that can cause elevated afp. So it can sometimes give your doctor a heads up to placental issues that can occur later in pregnancy.

khf221979 · August 2015

I must have read the article wrong then. That is what I get for googling things:(. Causing stress I don't need. I guess just like everything else nothing is 100% I like having the tests done to be prepared if something happens to be wrong but I also feel like everything would be easier if there were no tests at all

laxdixdar · August 2015

I had elevated afp. Which made me high risk for spina bifida. I went today for my lvl 2 and they did not see any cause for concern. My elevation will most likely prove to be placenta related further into my pregnancy... OR nothing at all. It will give you a ratio of risk. It's really just a tool that makes them look closer at possible issues based on your labs.

ChiccoBeanz · August 2015

Hey OP,

I'm lurking from another board, but I didn't feel comfortable not answering your question as I have experience with this. AFP levels can often give false positives for various reasons, different women sometimes get different answers. I had a high AFP level and had to do 2 level 2 scans, weeks apart. I also had an amniocentisis done this past week for further testing. The level 2 scans showed that there was nothing wrong, but my medical team suggested to do further testing to make sure that we could be proactive in the event the test was accurate. I agree with @laxdixdar, you should look at the ratios before making any decisions. You should be referred to a genetic counselor who would essentially walk you through your results, possibilities and options going forward. The counselor would explain to you what your results mean and what could possibly be done. If they suggest further testing, you would be a candidate for an amniocentisis, where they would extract some amniotic fluid for diagnostic testing (AFP is NOT a diagnostic test, but a screening test). From there, the genetic counselor would tell you what your results are. Usually the OB that would perform the amnio would be an MFM who is a specialist. Sometimes your own OB will do the test for you. It varies.

All in all, I suggest taking it all one step at a time. Wait for your results as nothing may be wrong at all. Then go from there. I'm open to PMs if you have any questions, and I'll gladly give you all the info I have. Just keep in mind that everyone's pregnancy is different in some way. I hope that helps. But again, take it one step at a time.

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Anyone else having a AFP blood test done?

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