MSAFP (maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein) refers to the detection of AFP, a plasma protein typically generated by the fetus, within the mother's bloodstream. This phenomenon forms the foundation for several important diagnostic tests. AFP is primarily produced in the fetal liver, the fetal gastrointestinal tract, and the yolk sac, which is a temporary structure during early development. AFP levels are generally elevated in the fetus's blood, decrease significantly after birth, and become nearly undetectable by the time the child is a year old.During pregnancy, AFP transfers from the fetus, through the placenta, and into the mother's bloodstream. The concentration of AFP in the mother's blood (known as maternal serum AFP) is used as a screening tool for various conditions, including:- Open neural tube defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida- Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities.Typically, the maternal serum AFP (MSAFP) level is:- Elevated in cases of open neural tube defects like anencephaly and spina bifida (meningomyelocele)- Reduced in cases of Down syndrome (trisomy 21, characterized by an additional chromosome 21).
