Definition of MSAFP (maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein) MSAFP
(maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein): The presence of AFP, a
plasma protein normally produced by the fetus, in the mother's
blood. The MSAFP serves as the basis for some valuable tests.
AFP is manufactured principally in the fetus's liver and, also,
in the fetal gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the yolk sac, a
structure temporarily present during embryonic development. The
level of AFP is typically high in the fetus's blood, goes down
in the baby's blood after birth, and by a year of age is
virtually undetectable. During pregnancy, AFP crosses the
placenta from the fetal circulation and appears in the mother's
blood. The level of AFP in the mother's blood (the maternal
serum AFP) provides a screening test for a number of disorders
including: The maternal serum AFP (MSAFP) tends to be: Last
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