When is maternal serum alpha-feto-protein level usually assessed?

Maternal serum alpha-feto-protein (MSAFP) levels are typically assessed between 15 to 20 weeks of gestation. This timing aligns with the period when the production of alpha-feto-protein, a protein produced by the fetus, is sufficient to be detected in the mother's serum. It serves as an important screening tool in prenatal care for assessing the risk of certain fetal conditions, such as neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.

Testing during this window provides crucial information about fetal health and development, as it allows for further diagnostic testing if abnormal levels are detected. Assessing MSAFP levels too early or too late in the pregnancy could lead to inaccurate readings and misinterpretation of fetal health, making this specified timeframe essential for accurate screening.