Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) CSF Test

Alpha Fetoprotein CSF Test Overview

Alpha Fetoprotein is generally produced by developing fetuses inside a mother’s womb. However, the adult body also produces Alpha Fetoprotein inside the liver in small amounts. An AFP CSF test is used to measure the amount of Alpha Fetoprotein present inside a person’s cerebrospinal fluid. 

The cerebrospinal fluid is a clear fluid that’s present around the brain and the spinal cord of a person. It helps protect the two organs. The CSF Alpha Fetoprotein test can help doctors check for AFP levels in your CSF, which is used to diagnose certain conditions like germ cell tumors, neural tube defects, and spina bifida. It is important to note that this test is a part of detailed diagnostic evaluation and doesn’t confirm any diagnosis by itself.

When is the AFP CSF Test Prescribed?

An AFP CSF analysis is prescribed by doctors when they are trying to diagnose and monitor health concerns regarding the central nervous system or neural tube defects. Here are some of the most common scenarios where an AFP CSF test is prescribed.

• As a part of prenatal screening of a fetus. This test is used to check if the baby has neural tube defects or not. However, the test results are not conclusive for a complete diagnosis.
• Diagnosing germ cell tumors. Elevated AFP levels in CSF can be an indication of certain types of central nervous system tumors.
• Rarely this test is also used to monitor other central nervous system conditions and diseases.

Components of AFP CSF Test

The normal range of Alpha Fetoprotein in cerebrospinal fluid differs among different ages for adults and non pregnant women. However, the average range for AFP in CSF for adults and non pregnant women is 0 ng/ml to 40 ng/ml. 

The range of AFP in CSF for babies up to the age of 31 days old is generally 61 kIU/L. However, it can range between 2-889 kIU/L. When AFP CSF analysis results are higher than 1000 ng/mL, it can indicate:

• Germ cell tumors in the primary central nervous system
• Sac tumors in mixed GCT
• In babies higher than normal test results can indicate neural tube defects and lower than normal can indicate towards genetic disorders like down syndrome

Procedure And Prerequisite

This test is performed like a regular blood test and doesn’t require any special prerequisites to be followed by the patient. Doctors draw blood from a vein preferably in the arm of the patient to collect the sample required for this blood test.