What does AFP stand for?

What does AFP stand for?

• A. Alpha-fetoglobulin
• B. Amniotic fluid protein
• C. Alpha-fetoprotein
• D. Alpha-fetoboxin

Answer: (C)

AFP stands for alpha-fetoprotein, a fetal protein produced mainly by the liver and yolk sac. It’s used as a screening marker in pregnancy when measured in maternal blood; elevated levels can indicate neural tube defects or abdominal wall defects, though correct interpretation depends on accurate dating and other factors. In newborns, AFP is high at birth and declines with age, which helps in evaluating certain neonatal conditions and tumors later in childhood. The other terms aren’t correct: alpha-fetoglobulin is not the standard name, amniotic fluid protein is not the expansion, and alpha-fetoboxin is a misspelling.

AFP stands for alpha-fetoprotein, a fetal protein produced mainly by the liver and yolk sac. It’s used as a screening marker in pregnancy when measured in maternal blood; elevated levels can indicate neural tube defects or abdominal wall defects, though correct interpretation depends on accurate dating and other factors. In newborns, AFP is high at birth and declines with age, which helps in evaluating certain neonatal conditions and tumors later in childhood. The other terms aren’t correct: alpha-fetoglobulin is not the standard name, amniotic fluid protein is not the expansion, and alpha-fetoboxin is a misspelling.