What does AFP mean in CHEMISTRY

What is AFP?

Alpha-fetoprotein, commonly known as AFP, is a protein produced by fetal liver cells. It appears in amniotic fluid during the second trimester of pregnancy and passes through the placenta from mother to baby. The maternal blood serum also contains a higher amount of AFP than usual during this period. Generally, these levels then decrease after birth. In some cases though, high or low levels can remain indicating health problems or disorders with the newborn baby or mother.

AFP tests are used for monitoring pregnancies at risk for genetic abnormalities like with mothers over 35 years old. For example, abnormal levels may indicate prenatal Down syndrome or neural tube defects like spina bifida due to an excess of AFP being measured in amniotic fluid and/or maternal serum. It may also indicate multiple gestation, molar pregnancies or placental abnormalities as well. Additionally, it’s used as a tumor marker in diagnosing many types of cancer such as liver cancer, which will show elevated levels when present in comparison to other cancers that don’t produce AFP such as colon cancer.

Benefits of AFP

The benefits of using AFP for medical testing lie heavily on its accuracy and sensitivity for measuring across different populations and types of diseases accurately within comparatively wide age range groups. There are no known risks associated with having your levels tested that outweigh these benefitsof medical testing using this biomarker. When combined with other markers and diagnostic techniques, like Ultrasound imaging scans, accurate diagnoses canbe made quickly and effectively. This can lead topatients receiving timely interventions, treatments,and lifestyle changes that could help improve their qualityof life significantly.