One of the primary purposes of the AFP test is to screen for neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida and anencephaly. In NTDs, the neural tube, which eventually develops into the baby's brain, spinal cord, and related structures, does not form properly. Elevated levels of AFP in the mother's blood may indicate an increased risk of NTDs.
In addition to NTDs, the AFP test can provide information about certain other conditions, including abdominal wall defects and chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. However, it's important to note that AFP alone is not specific enough to diagnose these conditions definitively.