AFP

(noun)

Alpha-Fetal Protein (AFP); a major plasma protein produced by the yolk sac and the liver during fetal development that is thought to be the fetal form of serum albumin. AFP is measured in pregnant women through the analysis of maternal blood or amniotic fluid as a screening test for a subset of developmental abnormalities; it is principally increased in open neural tube defects and omphalocele and is decreased in Down syndrome.

Related Terms

Examples of AFP in the following topics:

  • Ideological Third Parties and Splinter Parties

    • The AFP is characterized as paleoconservative because they are socially and fiscally conservative.
    • The AFP seeks to enact a smaller government by eliminating federal programs, such as the Department of Education.
    • The AFP further seeks to cut taxes and allow for more robust integration of church and state.

  • Spina Bifida

    • Neural tube defects can usually be detected during pregnancy by testing the mother's blood (AFP screening) or by a detailed fetal ultrasound.

  • Anencephaly

    • The maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP screening) and detailed fetal ultrasound can be useful for screening for neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly.