Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test

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

The triple marker test is essential because it helps identify pregnancies at risk for chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects early, allowing for timely interventions and better prenatal care. It is particularly important for high-risk categories such as advanced maternal age and previous history of chromosomal abnormalities.

The Triple Test screens for Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edward syndrome (trisomy 18), neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly, and other conditions like Turner syndrome, triploidy, and certain metabolic disorders.

The Triple Marker Test is a non-invasive blood test and does not pose any risk to the baby. It is a screening test and not a diagnostic test, so it does not involve any procedures that could harm the foetus.

The Triple Marker Test is a blood test performed between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, ideally between 15 and 17 weeks. It measures the levels of AFP, hCG, and oestriol in the mother's blood to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects.

The Double Marker Test measures free beta hCG and PAPP-A and is typically performed in the first trimester. The Triple Marker Test provides additional information and is often suggested as a follow-up or as part of an integrated screening test to increase the accuracy of risk assessment.

No, the Triple Marker Test is not mandatory. It is a recommended screening test, and the decision to undergo it is a personal choice for pregnant women, particularly those in high-risk categories.

The Triple Test can be performed on all pregnant women, but it is especially recommended for women over 35 years of age due to the increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities with advanced maternal age.

The Triple Marker Test offers key benefits, such as early detection of potential chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects, guidance for additional diagnostic testing, if necessary, enhanced prenatal care and planning, and the reassurance of being a low-risk, non-invasive procedure. 

The Triple Marker Test has a sensitivity of approximately 70% and a false-positive rate of around 5% for detecting Down syndrome. By adding an additional marker, inhibin-A, in the quadruple screen, the sensitivity increases to around 81%. 

No, fasting is not necessary before the Triple Marker Test. However, you should inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are currently taking, as they could potentially affect the accuracy of the results. 

Yes, Metropolis Healthcare offers a convenient home sample collection service for the Triple Marker Test. Our trained phlebotomists will come to your doorstep to collect blood samples, ensuring comfort, safety, and accurate testing.

The results of Triple Marker Test are typically available within 48 hours, depending on the timing of sample collection and processing. With Metropolis Healthcare, you can count on receiving timely and reliable reports from our advanced laboratories.