When did alpha fetoprotein testing start?

1980's: The Alpha fetoprotein test was around when i was a resident physician. The test has progressed through the y ears such that there are four levels measured in the pregnant woman's blood looking for the risk of down's syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18 & neural tube defects like spina bifida. This is called the quadruple screen best measured between 16 & weeks of pregnancy.