1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests (during pregnancy).
- AFP screening* (16th to 18th week of pregnancy) or triple test – method of prenatal diagnostics (prenatal diagnostics) in which an attempt is made to draw conclusions about peculiarities in the unborn child on the basis of the concentration of three hormones (AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), unconjugated estriol) in the blood of the pregnant woman. The test is performed between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy.
- If necessary, acetylcholinesterase (ACHE)* – determination of ACHE in the amniotic fluid, in case of increased AFP value in the serum (> 2.0 MoM).
* If AFP is elevated (> 2.5 MoM) and ACHE is positive in amniotic fluid, the probability of the presence of a neural tube defect is very high (> 99%).
