New Abbott Test Helps Doctors Detect the Presence of Two Important Health Issues

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious fetal birth defects of the brain and spine that occur very early in development. When the neural tube, a structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord, fails to close properly, AFP is thought to leak directly from the fetus into the mother's amniotic fluid, causing unexpectedly high levels of AFP in the mother's blood. A blood test that measures AFP can help doctors determine if a woman is carrying a fetus affected with birth defects, such as anencephaly (the absence of a large part of the brain and the skull) and spina bifida (the incomplete closing of the backbone and spinal canal). Treatments for NTDs focus on closing the defect with surgery (including surgery before birth) and treating or addressing related symptoms such as excess fluid in the brain and bladder and bowel problems.

Men with one type of testicular cancer, called nonseminoma germ cell, have elevated AFP levels present in their bloodstreams. Blood tests to measure AFP can be used to evaluate responses to treatment. By monitoring disease progression and seeking treatment when necessary, testicular cancer can be a highly treatable and usually curable cancer.

"The ARCHITECT AFP assay is a valuable tool that will help physicians obtain reliable measurements of this protein for use in guiding critical patient treatment decisions," said Brian Blaser, executive vice president, Diagnostics Products, Abbott. "Abbott is pleased to offer this important assay to our customers to positively affect patient care."