MATERNAL SERUM ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN SCREENING - THE NEED TO USE RACE ETHNIC SPECIFIC MEDIANS IN ASIANS

Objectives. We questioned whether race-specific databases for maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening should be added to those al ready available for African-American and white patients. Study design. We analyzed 138,272 MSAFP samples. The geographic origin of the sampl es was New York metropolitan area. Patients were classified as white, African-American, Hispanic or Asian. The usual adjustments were made a nd groups compared. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and multiple c omparison test. Results. MSAFP values are highest (p < 0.05) for Asian s, followed by African-Americans, Hispanics, and whites, although the difference between Hispanic and white was not significant. Conclusions . Four separate databases are definable if specimen quantity is suffic ient. Race/ethnic specific databases are more likely to yield the most accurate detection of abnormal MSAFP values, and therefore, fetal ano malies.