What does the Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) test primarily screen for?

The Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) test is primarily used to screen for neural tube defects (NTDs) during pregnancy. This test measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein, a protein produced by the fetus that normally enters the mother's bloodstream. Elevated levels of MSAFP can indicate potential NTDs such as spina bifida or anencephaly, where the neural tube does not close completely during early fetal development.

While MSAFP is not a definitive diagnostic tool, it serves as an important screening measure that can prompt further testing and investigation if anomalies are suggested by elevated levels. Other conditions that might lead to an abnormal MSAFP result may include multiple gestations or abdominal wall defects, but the primary screening focus is on neural tube defects. This understanding helps healthcare providers identify at-risk pregnancies and offer appropriate counseling and testing options.