First-trimester Test-VI, Serum Penta Screen (Free Beta HCG, PAPPa, AFP, Inhibin A, PLGF)
Also known as: Penta Maternal Screen Panel, Serum**
Overview
The First Trimester Test-VI, also known as the Penta Screen, is a screening test that is usually performed between 11 to 13.6 weeks of pregnancy. The test is a combination of several different markers that are measured in the mother's blood to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and other fetal disorders.
Free beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) is a hormone that is produced by the placenta and is measured in the mother's blood. Abnormal levels of β-hCG can indicate an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is a protein that is produced by the placenta and is measured in the mother's blood. Low levels of PAPP-A can indicate an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is produced by the fetal liver and is measured in the mother's blood. Abnormal levels of AFP can indicate an increased risk of neural tube defects and other fetal disorders. Inhibin A is a hormone that is produced by the placenta and is measured in the mother's blood. Abnormal levels of inhibin A can indicate an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Placental growth factor (PLGF) is a protein that is produced by the placenta and is measured in the mother's blood. Abnormal levels of PLGF can indicate an increased risk of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. Nuchal translucency (NT) is a measurement of the thickness of a space at the back of the fetal neck, which is measured by ultrasound. The abnormal thickness of the NT can indicate an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities and other fetal disorders.
The results of the Penta Screen are combined with the mother's age and other factors to calculate a risk score for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13.
Penta Maternal Screen Panel, Serum** Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Penta Maternal Screen Panel, Serum** with a clear pricing structure.
The Penta Maternal Screen Panel, Serum** Price in Vandanam is ₹ 6,000 .
We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
The First-trimester test-VI, serum Penta Screen, measures several biomarkers in a pregnant woman's blood to assess her risk of having a baby with certain chromosomal or developmental abnormalities. Specifically, it measures the levels of the following substances:
- Free beta HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
- PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A)
- AFP (alpha-fetoprotein)
- Inhibin A
- PLGF (placental growth factor)
- NT (nuchal translucency)
The First-trimester test or Penta Screen is done to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as
- Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)
- Edward syndrome (Trisomy18)
- Pre-eclampsia
- Open Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)
The First Trimester Test is recommended for pregnant women who want to assess their risk of having a baby with certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. The First Trimester Test is typically recommended for all pregnant women, but it is especially important for those who:
- Are over the age of 35
- Have a family history of genetic disorders
- Have had a previous pregnancy with chromosomal abnormalities
- Have abnormal results on previous prenatal screening tests
If the First Trimester Test suggests an increased risk of a chromosomal abnormality, further diagnostic testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, may be recommended.
If the results of the first trimester test (Free beta HCG, PAPP-A, AFP, Inhibin A, PLGF) and NT (nuchal translucency) test are abnormal, it could indicate a higher risk for certain pregnancy complications or chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus. Some possible outcomes may include:
- Increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities
- Increased risk for neural tube defects
- Increased risk for preeclampsia or preterm labor
The test involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in the mothers arm. A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins more visible, and insert a needle into a vein to collect the blood sample. You may feel a brief prick or stinging sensation when the needle is inserted, but the procedure is generally painless.
No special preparation is required for the test. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking the test, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.
There are several other laboratory tests that may be ordered during the first trimester of pregnancy:
- Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the levels of different types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can help identify anemia, infections, and other conditions that may affect pregnancy.
- Blood type and Rh factor: Knowing a person's blood type and Rh factor is important during pregnancy to prevent complications, such as Rh disease.
- Rubella immunity: Rubella is a viral infection that can cause serious birth defects if a woman is infected during pregnancy.
- Hepatitis B and C: These tests check for hepatitis B and C, which are viral infections that can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
- Syphilis: This test checks for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
- HIV: If a woman is HIV-positive, she can take steps to prevent passing the virus to her baby during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Urinalysis: Abnormalities in the urine can be a sign of kidney problems or other conditions that may affect pregnancy.
- Thyroid function tests: Thyroid problems can affect pregnancy and fetal development.
- Glucose tolerance test: This test checks for gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy.
- ???Penta Test
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- Maternal Serum Screen 5
- Multiple Marker Screening
- Prenatal Screening
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