AFP in amniotic fluid is tested by which method?

AFP in amniotic fluid is tested by which method?

• A. Amniocentesis or maternal blood test
• B. Urine test for AFP
• C. Cord blood sampling
• D. Placental biopsy

Answer: (A)

AFP in amniotic fluid requires obtaining the fluid itself, which is done by amniocentesis. Once the fluid is collected, its AFP level is measured, typically by an immunoassay. Measuring AFP in maternal blood (the MSAFP test) is a separate screening that uses a blood sample and does not reflect AFP in the amniotic fluid. Urine AFP, cord blood sampling, or placental biopsy do not provide AFP levels in amniotic fluid. So the method that specifically yields AFP data from amniotic fluid is obtaining the fluid through amniocentesis.

AFP in amniotic fluid requires obtaining the fluid itself, which is done by amniocentesis. Once the fluid is collected, its AFP level is measured, typically by an immunoassay. Measuring AFP in maternal blood (the MSAFP test) is a separate screening that uses a blood sample and does not reflect AFP in the amniotic fluid. Urine AFP, cord blood sampling, or placental biopsy do not provide AFP levels in amniotic fluid. So the method that specifically yields AFP data from amniotic fluid is obtaining the fluid through amniocentesis.