Abbreviation of alphafetaprotein, a protein synthesized by the liver, yolk sac and gastrointestinal tract of the the baby and found in large quantities in the amniotic fluid. When large amounts are found in the maternal bloodstream it can be used as a test for neural tube defects, as spina bifida and anencephaly in the baby.
An extremely important test during pregnancy, it checks for the possibility of Spina bifida, a condition in which there is a problem in the normal development of the spine and brain (neural tube). Using the alpha feto-protein test along with two other enzymes/hormones test will also help to find babies that have Down's syndrome.
Alpha-fetoprotein; non-maternal alphafetoprotein
an abnormally large amount of this fetoprotein in the fetus can signal an abnormality of the neural tube (as spina bifida or anencephaly)
a protein produced by a developing fetus that is present in amniotic fluid and, in smaller amounts, in a pregnant woman's blood. Abnormal levels of AFP found in a blood test between the 15th and 18th weeks of pregnancy can indicate abnormalities in the fetus.
A protein produced by the developing fetus.
Alpha fetoprotein, a tumor marker.
This test is used as a liver tumor marker for patients with chronic hepatitis B. Patients should have their AFP levels monitored routinely since high levels could indicate the possibility of liver cancer.
Alpha-fetoprotein. A protein normally produced by a developing fetus. AFP levels are usually undetectable in the blood of healthy nonpregnant adults. An elevated level of AFP suggests the presence of either a primary liver cancer or germ cell tumor.
Alpha Fetal Protein. Serum tumor market for identifying tumours most commonly found found in the liver or testes but also for tumours found in the gastro-intestinal tract, genitals, urinary tract, pancreas and ovaries. In is normally found in neonatal humans and disappears as a person matures. It is not normally found in adults.
Alphafetaprotein. A substance present in the blood of pregnant women. Levels apparently higher or lower than normal may indicate the need for further tests.