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)
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
