Maternal Screen (Triple Test) 2nd Trimester

Triple marker test is done to screen genetic disorders and other abnormalities in the fetus. It is very important to know that this is a SCREENING test and a positive (high risk) result does not confirm a defect. Further confirmatory tests should be done to reach a conclusion. Abnormal Triple Test results, ultrasound may lead to the detection of 85% of open neural tube defects, 60 to 70% of Down syndrome pregnancies and many Trisomy 18 pregnancies.  To improve detection rate of congenital anomalies quadruple marker or algorithm based test like Pregascreen dual and Pregascreen quadruple are suggested.

This test measures three markers (AFP, HCG, and estriol) in the maternal blood.  This screening test provides statistical examination of patient’s data which includes the biochemical (laboratory) and demographical (statistical study of populations) data. The results are shown in the form of a graph in the test report. The chances of having a baby with Down syndrome or Trisomy 18 depend on multiple factors such as age & body weight of pregnant women, diabetic status & ethnicity etc.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer

Abnormal test (high risk pregnancy) result does not always indicate a birth defect; it might be because of a variation in the estimated gestational age or other factors. A more specific screening test (NIPT)/ confirmatory test like karyotyping/ FISH are highly recommended.
High levels of AFP point to neural tube defects in the fetus or there can be incomplete closure of the fetus abdomen. 
Low levels of HCG indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Whereas, if the levels of HCG are high this indicates multiple pregnancies. 
Low levels of estriol indicates a high risk with Down syndrome especially when the levels of AFP are low and HCG are high. If the levels of all these three markers are abnormal, there can be a presence of neural tube defects like spina bifida (spinal cord fails to develop correctly), anencephaly (absence of brain, skull and scalp) and multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets/ quadruplets).Consult your gynaecologist for further investigation

This test is advised for all pregnant mothers. This is to identify the risk that an unborn fetus may have chromosomal issues,

This test is recommended for all pregnant women. This is done to determine the likelihood that an unborn child may have a chromosomal condition like,

• Down syndrome (trisomy 21).
• Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18).
• An open neural tube defect like spina bifida.

Usually, the test is administered between weeks 15 and 22 of pregnancy. The ideal testing window is somewhere between 16 and 18 weeks. Prenatal anomalies including Down syndrome, trisomy 18 syndrome, and spina bifida can be found using triple screen testing.

No special requirements are stated. A blood sample is taken from an arm vein.

Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a genetic test. It can inform you of the hazards to your unborn child's health due to your genetic makeup.

An extra chromosome causes the disorder known as Down syndrome. One of those chromosomes, chromosome 21, has an extra copy in infants with Down syndrome.

• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
• Human Chorionic Globulin (HCG-Beta)
• Unconjugated Estriol (uE3)
• AFP Maternal
• Maternal Serum AFP
• MSAFP
• MSA FP
• Triple Screen
• Triple Test
• Maternal Marker Test