Which statement is true about AFP testing in this context?

• A. It has potential for false positives or false negatives
• B. It is 100% accurate
• C. It cannot predict anything
• D. It is only for chromosomal abnormalities

Answer: (A)

AFP testing in pregnancy is a screening approach used to assess the risk of open neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. It is not a confirmatory test, so results are not definitive on their own. The test can give false positives or false negatives because many factors influence AFP levels. Dating errors or incorrect gestational age can make levels appear higher or lower than they should be. Multiple pregnancies, maternal obesity, diabetes, and certain medications can also skew results. An elevated AFP can suggest an open neural tube defect or other conditions like ventral wall defects, but it does not prove a problem, and a normal AFP does not rule out a defect entirely—some conditions may not raise AFP. Because of these limitations, AFP results are typically interpreted alongside ultrasound findings and, if indicated, amniotic fluid testing for acetylcholinesterase to improve accuracy. It is not 100% accurate, and it isn’t used only for chromosomal abnormalities.