Maternal serum AFP screening: A programmatic overview

Abstract

This article focuses on the growing practice of maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) screening during pregnancy. It discusses the merits and limitations of the AFP blood test as a method of identifying women at risk for bearing children with neural tube (brain or spine) defects and for other complications of pregnancy. Administrative consideration is given to key aspects of program implementation and management. Attention is also directed to recent scientific findings from existing programs. Newly developed programs are identified. Medical, legal, and social ramifications of the AFP test are reviewed in anticipation of its more widespread use in standard obstetric care.