A maternal blood screening test carried out in the second month of a pregnancy indicates a level of $\alpha$-fetoprotein that is significantly higher than normal.
a. What is $\alpha$-fetoprotein?
b. What does a higher than normal level of $\alpha$-fetoprotein in the mother's blood indicate?
c. Critique the maternal blood screening test-specifically, what are its limitations?
d. Given the limitations of the tests, why are they so commonly ordered?
e. If you were the doctor who ordered this test, how would you proceed?

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The Answer of A maternal blood screening test carried out in the second month of a pregnancy indicates a level of $\alpha$-fetoprotein that is significantly higher than normal.
a. What is $\alpha$-fetoprotein?
b. What does a higher than normal level of $\alpha$-fetoprotein in the mother's blood indicate?
c. Critique the maternal blood screening test-specifically, what are its limitations?
d. Given the limitations of the tests, why are they so commonly ordered?
e. If you were the doctor who ordered this test, how would you proceed?

A Maternal Blood Screening Test Carried Out in the Second α\alphaα

A Maternal Blood Screening Test Carried Out in the Second $\alpha$