Z36: Antenatal screening

Z36.1: Antenatal screening for raised alphafetoprotein level

With an ante-natal screening test, certain disorders or abnormalities can be detected before the child is born. The test was done to determine the alpha-fetoprotein levels.

Alpha-fetoprotein is a protein produced in the body of unborn children. This protein gets into the amniotic fluid where the child is, in the womb. The protein can get from the amniotic fluid into the mother's blood. A sample of amniotic fluid or the mother's blood can be taken to study the alpha-fetoprotein levels. The protein level can provide indicators of certain disorders or abnormalities in the child's development.