alpha foetoprotein
Noun: A specific type of protein (fetoprotein) produced by the yolk sac and liver of a developing fetus. Its presence in amniotic fluid and maternal blood is used as a biomarker in prenatal screening.
Alpha-fetoprotein is primarily used as a medical term in the context of prenatal care and diagnostics. - Elevated levels in maternal blood or amniotic fluid can indicate certain fetal conditions. - Measurement of alpha-fetoprotein is a standard part of prenatal screening tests.
- Noun:
- The prenatal test includes checking the mother's blood for alpha-fetoprotein.
- An abnormal alpha-fetoprotein level may prompt further diagnostic testing, such as an ultrasound or amniocentesis.
- "Alpha-fetoprotein screening": A specific prenatal blood test that measures this protein to assess risk for certain birth defects.
- She decided to undergo alpha-fetoprotein screening during her second trimester.
- "Serum alpha-fetoprotein": Refers to the level of this protein found in the blood serum.
- The serum alpha-fetoprotein was within the normal range.
- AFP: A common abbreviation for alpha-fetoprotein.
- The doctor reviewed the AFP test results.
- Fetoprotein: The broader category of fetal proteins to which alpha-fetoprotein belongs.
- AFP (acronym)
- α-fetoprotein (alternative spelling)
While the core meaning is a specific fetal protein, its primary significance in modern usage is its role as a clinical marker. Its measurement is not diagnostic on its own but is used to identify pregnancies that may need more detailed evaluation for potential neural tube defects or other conditions.
- an abnormally large amount of this fetoprotein in the fetus can signal an abnormality of the neural tube (as spina bifida or anencephaly)