TY - JOUR T1 - Neural-tube defect risk assessment for individual pregnancies using alphafetoprotein and acetylcholinesterase test results. JF - Journal of Clinical Pathology JO - J Clin Pathol SP - 1334 LP - 1339 DO - 10.1136/jcp.35.12.1334 VL - 35 IS - 12 AU - P W Strike AU - J Smith Y1 - 1982/12/01 UR - http://jcp.bmj.com/content/35/12/1334.abstract N2 - Pregnancies at risk of being associated with (open) neural tube defects can be identified by maternal serum and amniotic-fluid alphafetoprotein (AFP) concentrations in excess of established screening cut-off valves in conjunction with the results of an amniotic fluid electrophoretic acetylcholinesterase screening test. The risk associated with the AFP cut-off values are formulated in terms of a population screening programme. These "population risks" are of little value in the assessment of test results from individual "at-risk" pregnancies, especially when the observed AFP concentrations are in proximity to the "cut-off" values. A complete risk assessment procedure for individual pregnancies is described and presented in graphical form to permit immediate access by clinical staff. ER -