What screening test is performed at 24-28 weeks to check for gestational diabetes?

The correct choice for the screening test performed at 24-28 weeks to check for gestational diabetes is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This test is specifically designed to assess how well a pregnant woman metabolizes glucose, which is crucial for identifying gestational diabetes. During the test, the patient consumes a glucose solution, and blood samples are taken at intervals afterward to measure how the body processes the sugar.

It's important to conduct this screening between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy because it helps identify women who may have developed insulin resistance and glucose intolerance as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. Early detection is vital for managing the condition effectively and ensuring the health of both the mother and the baby.

While the fasting blood glucose test is useful for diagnosing diabetes outside of pregnancy, it is not the preferred method for screening for gestational diabetes at this specific time. The hemoglobin A1c test measures average blood glucose levels over a longer period and is more relevant for the overall management of diabetes rather than for pregnancy-specific screening. Blood pressure screening, although important in prenatal care to assess conditions like preeclampsia, does not evaluate glucose metabolism and thus is not applicable for diagnosing gestational diabetes.