alpha-fetoprotein and screening markers of congenital disease.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is produced in the gut and liver during fetal life and appears to act like albumin in the adult. Because AFP appears in the maternal circulation during pregnancy, interest has been focused on its measurement in maternal serum to predict fetal abnor-mality. In addition, AFP, as an embryonic product, is elevated in certain malignant states. This article provides a summary of current clinical knowledge of AFP and its applications.