Elevated alphafetoprotein ICD-10 code: R77.2, Z36.1 ICD-9 code: V28.1 Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is normally only produced in the fetus during its development. When found in adults, it can be used as a tumor marker. If high levels of AFP are found in amniotic fluid it can indicate a developmental defect in the baby. Normal levels of alpha-fetoprotein in blood plasma are very low, though they will go up slightly during pregnancy. If levels are higher than this, it could possibly indicate that a pathological process is occurring. Like all tumor markers, the detection of AFP by itself is not diagnostic of anything, although if it is detected it is certainly advisable to rule out the diseases could cause levels to rise. The primary reason tumour markers are used are to measure the success of a treatment (e.g. chemotherapy), if levels of AFP are going down, it is an indication that a disease is improving. AFP screening Alpha-fetoprotein screening is part of the triple test, a screening program in pregnant women. It is a blood test usually offered between 15-20 weeks of pregnancy. The AFP test can help identify pregnancies that may be at an increased risk of having a baby with certain problems including Down syndrome, trisomy 18, spina bifida, anencephaly, and abdominal wall defects. This information can assist women and their doctors in deciding whether to pursue further testing such as amniocentesis or ultrasound. Genetic counseling is usually offered when the AFP test result is screen positive. An amniocentesis can be done if an abnormality of a fetus is suspected. Levels of AFP can be down slightly in Down's syndrome, and levels are frequently higher with neural tube defects such as spina bifida. A multiple pregnancy, such as twins or triplets, also causes an increase in AFP levels.de:Alpha-1-Fetoprotein es:Alfa-fetoproteína fr:Alpha-fœtoprotéine Search Term: "Alpha-fetoprotein" Categories: Proteins | Tumor markers