Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP)
Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) ( 5 Questions)
A client is scheduled for an Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP).
When is this test usually performed ?
Before 15 weeks of gestation, the AFP levels are too low to be measured accurately.
The correct answer is choice B. Between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. This is because an AFP test is usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy to check the baby’s risk for having certain genetic problems and birth defects. AFP is a protein that a developing baby makes in the liver. Normally, some AFP passes from the baby into the pregnant person’s blood.
After 20 weeks of gestation, the AFP levels start to decline and may not reflect the fetal condition.
An AFP test is not only for people who have diabetes mellitus. It is routinely offered to all pregnant people between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy. Diabetes mellitus may affect the accuracy of the test, but it is not a requirement for having it.
The correct answer is choice B. Between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. This is because an AFP test is usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy to check the baby’s risk for having certain genetic problems and birth defects. AFP is a protein that a developing baby makes in the liver. Normally, some AFP passes from the baby into the pregnant person’s blood.
Choice A is wrong because before 15 weeks of gestation, the AFP levels are too low to be measured accurately.
Choice C is wrong because after 20 weeks of gestation, the AFP levels start to decline and may not reflect the fetal condition.
Choice D is wrong because an AFP test is not only for people who have diabetes mellitus. It is routinely offered to all pregnant people between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy. Diabetes mellitus may affect the accuracy of the test, but it is not a requirement for having it.