Alpha-fetoprotein screening, also called AFP screening, triple test, and expanded AFP screening, is a screening blood test usually offered between 15-20 weeks of pregnancy. The AFP test can help identify pregnancies that may be at an increased risk of having a baby with certain problems including Down syndrome, trisomy 18, spina bifida, anencephaly, and abdominal wall defects. This information can assist women and their doctors in deciding wheter to pursue futher testing such as amniocentesis or ultrasound. Genetic counseling is usually offered when the AFP test result is screen positive.