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Prenatal screening for open neural tube defects
Jacob A Canick1, Leonard H Kellner, Allan T Bombard
1Division of Prenatal and Special Testing, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Women and Infants Hospital, Brown Medical School, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905-2401, USA. jcanick@wihri.org
Insights
Prenatal screening for birth defects uses alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tests. This article reviews AFP
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Prenatal screening for birth defects began in the 1970s.
- Discovery of elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in maternal serum and amniotic fluid indicated fetal open neural tube defects.
- AFP testing is now standard in routine obstetric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the use of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in prenatal screening for open neural tube defects.
- To examine the role of the laboratory in AFP screening.
- To explore laboratory interactions with practicing obstetricians regarding AFP testing.
Main Methods:
- Review of the historical development and current application of AFP screening.
- Discussion of laboratory procedures and quality control for AFP testing.
- Analysis of communication and collaboration between laboratories and obstetricians.
Main Results:
- AFP screening has significantly advanced prenatal diagnostics for open neural tube defects.
- Effective laboratory practices are crucial for accurate AFP test results.
- Strong communication between labs and clinicians improves patient care and screening efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing remains a vital component of prenatal screening for open neural tube defects.
- The laboratory plays a critical role in the success of AFP screening programs.
- Optimizing the interaction between laboratories and obstetricians enhances the overall effectiveness of prenatal care.
Abstract:
The era of prenatal screening for serious birth defects began in the 1970s with the discovery that amniotic fluid and maternal serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were increased in pregnancies affected by fetal open neural tube defects. Since then, prenatal screening has become a part of routine obstetric care. In this article, the use of AFP in prenatal screening for open neural tube defects is discussed in the context of the laboratory and the laboratory's interactions with the practicing obstetrician.