Alpha-fetoprotein: Biochemistry, Clinical Usefulness, and Laboratory Considerations.

摘要

AFP (alpa-fetoprotein) is an substance found in amniotic fluid and maternal serum during pregnancy. Originally used as a tumor marker, the determination of AFP has dramatically increased in the past years as its value in the prenatal detection of neural tube defects (NTDs) has been recognized. Laboratory analysis of maternal serum AFP (MSAFP) is the initial step in an NTD-screening program. While performing an MSAF is technologically easy, interpretation of the MSAF value is complex. Abnormal MSAFP results must be confirmed through careful follow-up testing of MSAFP should be outside the clinical laboratory. For this reason, laboratory testing of MSAFP should be just one component of an integrated NTD-screening program. Keywords: Alpha-fetoprotein, AFP, Maternal serum AFP, MSAFP, Neural tube defects, Spina bifida, Anencephaly, Amniotic fluid. (js)