title: Prenatal testing for maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein.
abstract: The maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein level should be measured in all pregnant women at 16 to 20 weeks of gestation. Elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels require evaluation by ultrasonography and, sometimes, amniocentesis to detect neural tube defects. Low alpha-fetoprotein levels may be associated with chromosomal anomalies and should be evaluated with amniocentesis. Alpha-fetoprotein testing is cost-effective, and medicolegal liability makes it imperative to offer this screening test to all pregnant women.
mesh_terms: D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins