Definitions for "Alpha-fetoprotein test"
Keywords:  afp, neural, mother, amniotic, syndrome
alpha-fetoprotein is a protein produced by the fetus. During pregnancy, the fetus excretes AFP into the amniotic fluid and the mother’s blood. The AFP screening test measures the level of AFP. An abnormal level may indicate an increased risk of certain birth defects, such as neural tube defects, or congenital conditions, such as Down syndrome. This test can only indicate increased risk, it cannot diagnose a specific condition.
A test done on the mother's blood or the amniotic fluid which measures the amount of AFP protein made by the fetus to help determine if the baby is developing normally
Blood test given between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy to screen for abnormalities, including neural-tube defects and Down syndrome