How Helpful are Quadruple Marker Tests in Pregnancy?

If you are a pregnant woman in your second trimester, a quadruple marker test would be one of the many tests that have been recommended by your doctor. While this test is not mandatory, it assists in gathering crucial information about the health of your unborn baby by measuring the levels of four different substances in your blood. 

So, how accurate are the results of a quadruple marker test? What are the risks involved? What’s the procedure and how helpful is the test? Read on to find answers to these questions!

What is The Quadruple Marker Test?

A quad screen or quadruple marker is a blood test conducted to identify any birth defects or chromosomal abnormalities in an unborn baby during the second trimester (15–20 weeks) of pregnancy.

The quad marker test measures the levels of these four substances in the mother's body: 

1. Unconjugated estriol (uE3)
2. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
3. Inhibin-A
4. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

AFP is a hormone produced by the developing foetus while hCG, uE3 and inhibin-A are hormones produced by the placenta. 

The quadruple marker test is typically performed between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy, and it can help assess the risk of certain conditions in the foetus, including Down's syndrome, trisomy 18, or Edward's syndrome, and neural tube defects. In addition, this test can be used to detect the presence of multiple foetuses. It can also be used to monitor the health of both the mother and the foetus. 

Although the quadruple marker test is considered to be relatively safe, there is a risk of obtaining false-positive results, so it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before deciding whether or not to have the test done.

Why is a Quadruple Marker Test Done?

The quadruple marker test looks for four specific markers that are indicative of birth defects in the foetus. The test assesses the chances of the foetus developing four major conditions. These include:

• Down's syndrome (Trisomy 21) is a chromosomal disorder that can cause several types of developmental delays, lifelong intellectual disabilities, and health problems in those affected. 
• Edward's syndrome (Trisomy 18) is a chromosomal disorder that leads to slower development and abnormalities in the body. This condition has no treatment and is usually fatal before birth or within the first year of life.
• Spina bifida occurs when the foetus' spinal cord fails to develop or close properly in the womb. In some cases, this can cause paralysis of the lower extremities and, in some cases, learning difficulties.
• Abdominal wall defects are birth defects in the foetus' abdominal wall that could involve the intestines or other abdominal organs protruding from the belly button.

Procedure for a Quadruple Marker Test

Before the test, you will likely be asked to meet with a genetic counsellor. There is no prior preparation required for the test, and you can eat and drink as usual. Once the test begins, you will have your blood drawn. A healthcare professional will insert a needle into your arm, collect a blood sample, and send it for testing. You can return to your usual life immediately afterwards.

Risks and Complications Involved in a Quadruple Marker Test

The quad screen is a routine prenatal test that poses no risk of miscarriage or other pregnancy complications. However, like all tests during this delicate period in your life, it can cause some anxiety as you wonder about the results and how they will affect both yourself and your unborn baby.

Normal Quadruple Marker Test Results

If the levels of certain substances in your blood are detected to be normal, then it means that you and your baby are both healthy and normal. 

Abnormal Quadruple Marker Test Results

Certain factors can lead to abnormal results:

• Not calculating the correct time or the week of pregnancy
• In vitro fertilisation
• Numerous pregnancies
• Diabetes
• Smoking during pregnancy

Ultrasounds are often recommended if your quadruple marker test results are abnormal. They allow the healthcare provider to verify your gestational age, confirm how many babies you are carrying in your womb, and do a visual check of the foetus.

The quad screen test is quite accurate. As per data, it can correctly identify about 90% of Down's syndrome cases in pregnant women aged over 35 and can detect about 75% of Down's syndrome cases in women under the age of 35.

If you receive a positive result from your quad screen test, it is recommended that you go ahead with additional tests to get an accurate diagnosis of what might be wrong. These tests include:

• Targeted ultrasound
• Amniocentesis
• Chorionic villus sampling
• Non-invasive prenatal testing

How Helpful is the Quadruple Marker Test?

During pregnancy, you will have to go through multiple check-ups and tests to ensure the proper growth of your unborn baby. The Quadruple Marker test is also one such test.

Before talking about the benefit of taking the Quadruple Marker test, let us look at its complications: well, there are none. Yes, and that makes it a prime benefit. 

Moreover as discussed above, the Quadruple Marker test is considered quite accurate in terms of results for the detection of Down's Syndrome and other birth defects too. Therefore, going through a Quad Marker test is significantly helpful for you to be sure of your unborn baby’s good health.   

Conclusion: 

Yes, the Quadruple Marker test can prove to be helpful if you are worried about your unborn baby’s health. It is advised to consult with a doctor if you are thinking about getting a Quadruple Marker test done.  

You can now book a Quadruple Marker Test online with Metropolis India and cut down on the waiting line at the testing centre.