Test Services

The Prenatal Screening Laboratory (PSL) started operations at the Foundation for Blood Research (FBR) in March, 1979, and offers state-of-the-art testing for identifying pregnancies at increased risk for open neural tube defects (spina bifida/anencephaly), Down syndrome (trisomy 21) or trisomy 18. In fact, 75% of Maine's pregnant women access this program each year. These laboratory services also extend into New Hampshire and elsewhere in the United States.

The PSL also continues to be a leader in the biochemical analysis of amniotic fluid to confirm the presence of an open fetal defect and manages a quality assurance program for amniotic fluid acetylcholinesterase.

For further information contact , MS, Laboratory Supervisor. For general information, contact , MS, Director, Clinical Support.

Tests Offered

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE): The presence of AChE in amniotic fluid can confirm open fetal defects such as anencephaly, spina bifida, gastroschisis, or omphalocele.

Amniotic Fluid Alpha-fetoprotein (AFAFP): Elevated levels of AFAFP are associated with open fetal defects such as anencephaly, spina bifida, gastroschisis, or omphalocele.

Anti-Phosphatidylserine Antibodies (APL): Elevations are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, recurrent pregnancy loss, and vascular disease. Includes IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies to phosphatidylserine.

Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies (APA): Elevations are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, recurrent pregnancy loss, and vascular disease. Includes IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies to phosphatidylserine and cardiolipin.

Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies Syndrome Panel (APS): Elevations are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, recurrent pregnancy loss, and vascular disease. Includes IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies to phosphatidylserine and cardiolipin, and measurement of Lupus-like Anticoagulant.

Bovine Serum Contamination, Amniotic Fluid (FBC): The presence of fetal bovine serum in a human amniotic fluid specimen is the result of specimen contamination and can result in a false positive AChE result.

Cotinine (COT): The levels of this nicotine metabolite in serum, urine, or saliva are correlated with cigarette smoke exposure and may be used as an objective measurement of smoking cessation efforts.

Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP): Elevated levels of MSAFP are used to screen for open fetal defects such as anencephaly, spina bifida, gastroschisis, and omphalocele.

Non-pregnancy Alpha-fetoprotein (NP-AFP): Elevated levels of AFP in non-pregnant individuals are associated with germ cell tumors including some forms of hepatoma, testicular tumor, and ovarian tumor. AFP levels are also used to monitor suspected hepatic dysfunction such as cirrhosis or newborn tyrosinemia.

Alpha-fetoprotein Profile Four (AFP4): Measures MSAFP, unconjugated estriol, human chorionic gonadotrophin, and dimeric inhibin A to screen for open fetal defects, trisomy 21 (Down syndrome ) and trisomy 18.

Alpha-fetoprotein Profile, Pregnancy (AEH): Measures MSAFP, unconjugated estriol, and human chorionic gonadotrophin to screen for open fetal defects, trisomy 21 (Down syndrome ) and trisomy 18.

Fetal Blood Contamination, Amniotic Fluid (FBC): The presence of fetal serum in amniotic fluid can contribute to elevated amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein or cause a false positive AChE result.