When should the alpha-fetoprotein test typically be performed during pregnancy?

The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is typically performed between 15 to 20 weeks of gestation because this is the period when the levels of AFP in the maternal blood can provide the most accurate and useful screening information. AFP is a protein produced by the fetal liver, and its concentration in the mother’s bloodstream can help assess the risk of certain congenital disorders, such as neural tube defects and Down syndrome.

During this gestational window, the AFP levels are at an optimal range that allows for effective screening, making it a crucial time for healthcare providers to gather relevant information about the developing fetus using this test. Testing outside this timeframe, such as in the early weeks or later in the pregnancy, may yield less reliable results or may not be clinically indicated for evaluating the risks of these conditions. Thus, conducting the AFP test during the recommended time frame maximizes its effectiveness in prenatal care.