Key result
A semi-automated serum alphafetoprotein radioimmunoassay detected elevated AFP levels above the 95th centile in 4 of 5 cases of open neural tube defects sampled between 15 and 20 weeks gestation.
Why the study?
Does a semi-automated serum alphafetoprotein radioimmunoassay accurately screen for open neural tube defects in pregnant women?
Observational
Does a semi-automated serum alphafetoprotein radioimmunoassay accurately screen for open neural tube defects in pregnant women?
A semi-automated serum AFP radioimmunoassay is a feasible screening tool for detecting open neural tube defects between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation.
Supports feasibility of AFP screening for open neural tube defects at 15-20 weeks; leaves open need for larger prospective validation before routine use.
A simple, reliable, semi-automated and inexpensive radioimmunoassay for serum alphafetoprotein (AFP) is described which fulfils the requirements for a screening test for open neural tube defects. The normal range for serum AFP throughout pregnancy has been determined in 1534 samples. In a retrospective study of 15 samples of maternal serum taken from nine pregnant women carrying a fetus affected with a neural tube defect, the serum AFP level was found to be above the 95th centile in four of the five cases of open defect sampled between 15 and 20 weeeks gestation. Preliminary results of a prospective study are reported in which two cases of nencephaly were detected among 671 unselected pregnancies sampled between 15 and 20 weeks gestation.
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Vince et al. (1975) conducted an observational in Open neural tube defects. Semi-automated serum alphafetoprotein (AFP) radioimmunoassay was evaluated on Detection of open neural tube defects. A semi-automated serum alphafetoprotein radioimmunoassay detected elevated AFP levels above the 95th centile in 4 of 5 cases of open neural tube defects sampled between 15 and 20 weeks gestation.
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