Prenatal maternal serum screening for neural tube defects (e.g., alpha-fetoprotein, free β-hCG, PAPP-A)
This test checks levels of certain proteins in your blood to help assess risks for certain birth defects, including neural tube defects (like spina bifida) and chromosomal conditions.
Early screening can help identify potential risks during pregnancy.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 89497-2
- Short code
- Prenatal tests Mother
- Synonyms
- Prenatal tests Mother
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 7
- Ref high
- 56
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302773008
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Your blood sample is analyzed for specific biomarkers, including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-hCG), and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). These markers help evaluate the likelihood of neural tube defects or chromosomal abnormalities.
Why It’s Done During Pregnancy
Prenatal screening is typically recommended between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy to detect early signs of conditions that may require further evaluation or monitoring.
How the Results Are Used
The results provide a statistical risk assessment rather than a definitive diagnosis. They often guide whether additional testing (like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling) is recommended.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll have a simple blood draw, usually done in a clinic or doctor’s office. The process is quick and similar to getting blood for other tests.
Reference range
Adult males: 7-56 U/L; Adult females: 7-43 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test helps identify potential risks early, allowing healthcare providers to recommend next steps, such as additional diagnostic tests or closer monitoring if needed. It does not replace other prenatal care but complements it.
Frequently asked questions
What does a ‘high’ or ‘low’ result mean?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
How soon will I get my results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy