Screening in pregnancy is of surveying a population of women with markers to identify those at higher risk of particular disorder. Biochemical markers are building blocks for screening tests. Alphafetoprotein is used to identify pregnancies at high risk of neural tube defects. Its implication extended beyond NTDs screening to detection of other anatomic malformations, multiple pregnancy, Down’s syndrome, other aneuploidies and placental disease. There are variables affecting serum AFP. Estimation of maternal serum alpha- fetoprotein is found to be one of the cost effective and non-invasive screening method.

Keywords: Alpha Fetoprotein; Screening Tests; Biochemical Markers; Neural Tube Defects.