Includes AFP and Maternal Risk Interpretation
Preferred Specimen(s) 1.0 mL serum
Instructions Order using special requisition. A special requisition form designed to obtain patient data and the patient’s informed consent must be utilized when ordering the MSS1 test. Because MSS1 test results are influenced by certain patient characteristics, the following data must be provided with the specimen in order to permit accurate interpretation of results: date of collection, patient’s (maternal) date of birth, patient’s estimated date of delivery, patient’s weight, patient’s race, patient’s diabetic status (is patient insulin dependent prior to pregnancy), number of fetuses, and whether this is a repeat sample.
Transport Container Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
- Ambient 7 days,
- Refrigerated 7 days
Reject Criteria
Gross hemolysis
Grossly icteric
Methodology Chemiluminescence
Clinical Significance Maternal serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) elevation is associated with an increased risk for open neural tube defects, multiple gestation, placental anomalies, ventral abdominal wall defects, congenital nephrosis and oligohydramnios. Follow-up for abnormal AFP results include genetic counseling, level II or level III ultrasound examination and consideration of Amniocentesis for chromosome and AFP analysis. Normal level do not ensure birth of a normal infant; in addition, 2-3% of newborns have some type of physical or mental defects, many of which may be undetectable with current prenatal diagnostics procedure.