Definitions
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.
- noun An antigen produced in the liver of a fetus and that is also present in certain diseases, such as liver cancer. Its level in amniotic fluid can be used to detect certain fetal abnormalities, including Down syndrome and spina bifida.
Etymologies
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Examples
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This screening usually entails ultrasound examinations of the liver and a blood test called alpha-fetoprotein AFP.
DR. SANJIV CHOPRA’S LIVER BOOK Sanjiv Chopra 2001
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Abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein in amniotic fluid or maternal blood may indicate an increased risk for a variety of birth defects or chromosomal disorders.
Glossary 2010
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Serial examination of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels as an additional screen for hepatoblastoma at least everythree months until the age of 4-5 years.
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Hallak M, O'Brien JE, Isada NB, Johnson MP, drugan A, Evans MI: Thyroid function does not alter maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein interpretation.
Prenatal Diagnosis 2010
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Measurement of blood alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration
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Amniocentesis is performed for viral cultures, chromosomal analysis and alpha-fetoprotein levels.
Hydrocephalus 2010
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The diagnosis of gastroschisis is usually made by ultrasound, in many cases following an elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test in the second trimester.
Gastroschisis 2010
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The diagnosis of omphalocele is usually made by ultrasound, in many cases following an elevated second trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test.
Omphalocele 2010
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When routine testing at 20 weeks showed that Southampton, PA mother-to-be Andrea Malloy's alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were high, the news was not good.
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Increased amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein in patients with fetal nuchal edema.
Prenatal Diagnosis 2010
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