Significance

• The levels of MSAFP screening results are categorized as low, normal and elevated. Anything besides normal does not necessarily indicate a problem, but rather that further diagnostic testing, usually follow-up ultrasounds and amniocentesis are recommended. An elevated result can be due to a multiple pregnancy, a miscalculated due date, nervous systems defects, neural tube defects, a problem with the fetus' abdominal wall closing properly or with late pregnancy complications.
  
  

Types

• Late pregnancy complications that an elevated MSAFP reading could indicate include preterm labor, hemorrhage and intrauterine growth retardation. With intrauterine growth retardation, the pregnancy will be watched more closely, usually by following up with regular ultrasounds.
  
  

Time Frame

• While the MSAFP test is typically performed between the 14th and 22nd week of pregnancy, the timing of the test will aid in the accuracy of the findings. Generally, most physicians believe that the test is most accurate when done between the 16th and 18th weeks.
  
  

Considerations

• For more accurate results, most doctors will prefer that the MSAFP test be done as part of a triple screen, which includes looking at estriol and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels. This provides a clearer, more reliable indication of possible problems.
  
  

Benefits

• The benefit of having a MSAFP test performed, especially as part of a triple screen, is that it is a non-invasive test that poses no threat to maternal or fetal health and can indicate whether a riskier amniocentesis is necessary. If elevated levels indicate a possible problem with growth in the fetus, the pregnancy can be closely monitored.