Alpha‐Fetoprotein (AFP) Levels in Maternal Serum and Amniotic Fluid in Singleton Pregnant Women in Their 10th‐25th Week Post Last Menstrual Period

Abstract

Accurate determination of AFP [alpha fetoprotein] in amniotic fluid and maternal serum samples may provide useful information concerning various qualities of pregnancy. However, the clinical practicability of a diagnostic test will partly depend on the accurate establishment of firm limits for normal variation in healthy control subjects. An accurate and rapid paper disc radioimmunoassay of the sandwich type was utilized to determine the levels of AFP in altogether 826 maternal serum samples derived from an equal number of singleton pregnant women prospectively investigated during their 10th-25th wk post last menstrual period (LMP). In addition 396 amniotic fluid samples from the 14th-20th wk post LMP were analyzed. Theoretical ranges of normal variation are given.