Guidelines for establishing a maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening program. |
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Authors: | F H Wians G D Hankins E R Yeomans T L Hammond D M Strickland |
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Affiliation: | Department of Pathology, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center/SGHOLCC, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX 78236-5300. |
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Abstract: | Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening of all pregnant women between 15 and 20 weeks gestational age is generally recognized as a standard of care in current obstetric practice. There are many factors to consider when deciding to establish MSAFP testing as an in-house procedure versus ship-out testing by a reference laboratory at fee-for-service cost. In this report, we review clinical and analytical aspects of MSAFP testing, along with appropriate guidelines for establishing an on-site MSAFP screening program. |
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