Cost benefit analysis of screening spina bifida.

Cost benefit analysis of establishing and running a mass serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening service for neural tube defects (NTDS) in the Auckland Hospital Board area has been undertaken and a cost benefit index derived. From a population of 14 066 pregnant women per year, assuming present booking patterns continue, 8017 women could be screened for NTDS. Such screening could reduce severe spina bifida in liveborn babies by 38.8 percent.