Afp (Noun)
Meaning
An abnormally large amount of this fetoprotein in the fetus can signal an abnormality of the neural tube (as spina bifida or anencephaly).
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- A test to detect an abnormal level of AFP in the maternal blood can identify a high-risk pregnancy and suggest the need for further diagnostic procedures.
- A higher-than-expected AFP level can also occur when a woman is carrying twins or other multiples, or when there is a miscalculation of the gestational age.
- The AFP blood test measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein, a protein made by the fetus that passes into the mother's bloodstream.
- Prenatal testing that involves the use of AFP includes maternal serum screening and nonstress tests to evaluate fetal well-being.
- When AFP is abnormally elevated in maternal serum, additional tests are done to confirm or rule out abnormalities in fetal development.