Alpha-fetoprotein is a protein mass. It is located in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. AFP is the precursor of albumin. Refers to one of the very first identified tumor markers (confirmed).
Indications
Now we will understand what the AFP blood test means when it is prescribed to a person. Indications are as follows:
- If you suspect a disease such as liver damage by cancer cells.
- When observing a patient with cancer.
- In order to monitor the development of the fetus in the womb.
- To diagnose any fetal malformations.
- For the treatment of various tumors that form in the cells of an embryo.
In order to understand what an AFP blood test means, it is important to know that the result of this study makes it possible to understand if there are any pathologies in the fetus, the unborn child. In addition, this examination reveals the presence of a disease such as liver cancer. And also AFP allows you to determine the presence of oncology in the male organs of the reproductive system. When the body is infected with testicular cancer, AFP is present in the body in most cases. Especially manifested in the late stages of the disease.
What does an AFP blood test mean during pregnancy?
Alpha protein has a protective function. Its essence is that it provides protection to the fetus from the immune system of women. Alpha protein prevents fetal rejection.
In addition, it provides oxygen transfer to the fetus. At the beginning of the ovarian tissue, the corpus luteum is secreted. Further, the fetus itself performs this function. This usually occurs after 5 weeks. AFP rises in the blood of a woman in position and in the blood of the fetus. This indicator reaches the highest level at 32 weeks of gestation. Then it begins to decline. After the baby was born, this indicator is overvalued. But after a year it comes back to normal.
When deciphering the values of this indicator, it is necessary to adhere to certain standards. You should know that they vary depending on the methodology.
Norms
We figured out what an AFP blood test means. And what are the norms?
The norm of the AFP content in the body of a woman who has a baby is 10 ng / ml, but it can reach 8 IU / ml. In order to bring the values of indicators to a single indicator, the value of MoM was introduced. This abbreviation means multyplec of median. MoM allows you to compare different indicators of the content of AFP at different stages of pregnancy. In addition, thanks to the use of MoM, it is possible to compare the results of analyzes obtained from different laboratories. For AFP, the norm is from 0.5 to 2.5 for Mom. Depending on what biochemical methods were used during the analysis, its performance may fluctuate. There are two ways to obtain the results of the presence of AFP in the body. Namely, immunochemical and enzyme immunoassay. In order to conduct a study, it is necessary to carry out the sampling of the following substances:
- The liquid part of the blood, namely plasma or serum.
- The fluid that is present between the pleura.
- Ascites fluid.
- The contents of cystosis.
- Bile.
- Fluid from the uterus.
How should I take a blood test for AFP?
To identify the general picture of the state of the body, it is necessary to take this analysis several times. According to its indicators, the dynamics of the development of a process in the body will be understandable. AFP is considered a tumor marker. Therefore, you can compare it with the results of analyzes of other tumor markers.
For an accurate diagnosis, a blood test for AFP should be taken in the same laboratory. This is necessary so that the results are done by one method.
Increased AFP. What does it point to?
If the analysis shows that the human body has an increased level of AFP, this does not mean that the person has cancer. To make a diagnosis, you need to do a comprehensive examination of the body, and not just donate blood for AFP (alpha-fetoprotein). For an accurate diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the patient an additional examination, such as MRI, ultrasound, tomography, histology.
What pathologies can a person have with an increased level of AFP?
- Oncological diseases of the liver and gall bladder.
- Pancreatic tissue neoplasms.
- Oncology of the stomach and intestines.
- Damage to the lungs by cancer cells.
- The formation of malignant cells in the genitals of men and women.
- The presence of metastases in the body.
In addition to oncology, an increased AFP test may indicate the presence of other diseases in the body. For example, it can be: cirrhosis, hepatitis, advanced forms of alcoholism. Or liver failure. In obstetrics and gynecology, this indicator indicates any features of the body. Namely, a high level of AFP can be a consequence of the fact that a multiple pregnancy is present in the body. Also, an increased level of this analysis can be a signal of any violations of its development. For example, liver failure, the presence of anencephaly in the development of the fetus, spinal defects, umbilical hernia and other pathologies.
Low level
In addition to an elevated AFP level, a lower level may also be observed. What does it mean? If we talk about pregnant women, then a decrease in AFP may indicate the development of Down syndrome in the unborn child.
Mental retardation is also possible. Fetal death is also accompanied by a decrease in the rate of this analysis. A miscarriage may occur at a low rate or a false pregnancy.
How to prepare for delivery?
In order for the AFP test to be reliable, it is necessary to follow the recommendations for preparation. A couple of weeks before the delivery of material for research, you should refuse to take any medications. Since they can affect the results of the analysis. Immediately before blood donation, you need to follow a certain diet, namely to refuse fatty and spicy foods. In addition, do not drink alcohol. Exercise can also affect the result of the analysis. Therefore, a couple of days before a visit to the laboratory, you should abandon sports and any loads. These include carrying heavy bags, cleaning, long walks. It is necessary to spend days before passing the analysis in a calm state. Do not eat on the night before blood donation. You must refuse to eat after 9 pm. In the morning, you can drink ordinary water, but not more than 200 milliliters. Do not drink tea or coffee. Since drinking anything other than water can affect your blood protein. This analysis must be taken in the morning, almost immediately after sleep. Therefore, it is better that the laboratory is located directly next to the place of residence.
This type of analysis began to be done relatively recently, namely in the 70s of the last century. At this time, scientists calculated that the increase in AFP in the blood is a consequence of the presence of serious diseases in the body. More often, this study is prescribed for pregnant women in order to identify any abnormalities in the development of the fetus.
Conclusion
Now you know what AFP analysis is , the transcript of this study is discussed in detail in the article. If you plan to undergo this examination, then be sure to prepare for it.