AFP Results: Should I be worried?

[ChrisHealy]

I just got my results from my AFP and nuchal translucency test.  It was 1:120.  The doctor's office said it was negative, but that the cut off the doctor uses for recommending an amnio is 1:110.  My nuchal translucency came normal.  I'm waiting for my doctor to call me back.  Oh, and I'm 43, so the nurse said that the risk for that category is 1:35, so that my results were good.  It just doesn't sound good to me.  Any thoughts?

[Jane41]

I don't remember the numbers but two times they said I had a 2 percent chance of have a child with down syndrome.  The first child was normal and healthy.  The second did have down syndrome and she's wonderful.  I chose not to have an amnio because one in 300 amnios result in miscarriage.  So you can go to a perinatalogist and he/she can do an in depth sonogram if you are concerned.  That may pick something up.  Either way the baby will be a wonderful child.  Trust me.

[ChrisHealy]

Thanks.  I think I had the triple screen.  I'm trying not to panic until the doctor calls.  I'll keep you posted.  

[melimeli]

The triple screen measures not only AFP, but beta-hCG and unconjugated estriol (uE3) as well. This test is more accurate and screens for additional genetic problems, and is beginning to replace the standard AFP. Generally speaking, any combination of the testing will identify 60% of the babies with Down Syndrome and 80-90% of the babies with neural tube defects.

In addition to the substances screened in the triple screen, the quad screen checks the level of the hormone inhibin A as well. The penta screen looks for those four substances as well as Invasive Trophoblast Antigen (ITA). Which screening test you have will depend on which lab is available to you. If you also had the first trimester screening along with the nuchal fold translucency ultrasounds, it is recommended that you use the same lab.

The controversy in these tests lies in many places. One of which is the accuracy of the screenings. While some claim that they have only a 5% "false positive" rate, most research finds that there are 80+% rate of positive tests while the baby is unaffected. The false positive rates depend on many factors, including appropriate gestational age, maternal age, weight and the presence of diabetes.

[alikat1205]

these tests are not accurate (meaning that if they are lower, no need to worry).  you are in the normal range, so don't worry.  i got results of 1:39 downs at age 34.  my daughter is graduating from kindergarten next week, and she doesn't have downs, or any other problems.  i think with the blood tests good, and the nuchal translucency good, you shouldnt' worry.  i declined amnio and worried my butt off for five months! but risks from amnio are 1:200 so you have to balance your need to know against the odds.  those odds are currently in your favor.  good luck!

[melimeli]

well it is good thinking that there is less than 1% chance that something is wrong..  was the afp the test were they put spots of your blood on paper to send off?  good luck and try to stay positive