Alpha-fetoprotein Definition

ălfə-fētō-prōtēn, -tē-ĭn
noun
An antigen produced in the liver of a fetus and that is also present in certain diseases, such as liver cancer. Its level in amniotic fluid can be used to detect certain fetal abnormalities, including Down syndrome and spina bifida.
American Heritage
A protein in the blood of a normal fetus, occasionally reappearing in an adult, where its presence indicates the possibility of disease or, in a pregnant woman, of fetal malformations.
Webster's New World
A glycoprotein that is abundant in the blood plasma of human and other mammalian fetuses and is also present in the serum of people with certain diseases, such as liver cancer. Abnormal levels in maternal serum are associated with certain fetal abnormalities, including Down syndrome and spina bifida.
American Heritage Medicine
Synonyms:
  • alpha foetoprotein
  • afp

Alpha-fetoprotein Sentence Examples

  • Increased alpha-fetoprotein levels in blood.

  • The vast majority of A-T patients (more than 95 percent) have elevated levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein.

  • The vast majority of A-T patients (more than 95%) have elevated levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein.

  • Many cases are also detected by the testing of the mother's blood for the level of alpha-fetoprotein at about 16 weeks of pregnancy.

  • If the spine malformation is not skin covered, alpha-fetoprotein from the fetus's circulation may leak into the surrounding amniotic fluid, a small portion of which is absorbed into the mother's blood.

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AALALP

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NINEIN

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alpha-fetoprotein

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