Triple Marker Test

• Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21): A chromosomal abnormality caused by an extra chromosome 21.
• Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18): A condition that occurs due to an extra chromosome 18, resulting in severe developmental delay.
• Neural Tube Defects: Similar to spina bifida, where the spinal cord doesn't form properly.

It is crucial to realize that this is a screening test and not a diagnostic test. An abnormal test doesn't confirm the presence of a condition but rather indicates that further diagnostic testing is needed.

Who Should Undergo the Triple Marker Test?

Although the Triple Marker Test is not required, it's normally recommended for:

• Women aged 35 years and older.
• Those with a family history of genetic disorder.
• Those who've already had an earlier child born with a defect.
• Conceptions obtained by assisted reproductive technologies.
• Women with certain medical conditions, e.g., diabetes.

Talking to a doctor can help determine whether this test is appropriate for your specific situation.

Procedure: What to Expect

The Triple Marker Test is a simple blood test:

• Preparation: No preparation is needed.
• Blood Collection: A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from your arm.
• Laboratory Analysis: The sample is analyzed to measure the levels of AFP, hCG, and uE3.
• Result Interpretation: The results are interpreted together with others like maternal weight, age, ethnicity, and gestational age to ascertain levels of risk.

Results often take a week to become ready.

Interpretation of Results

Results are presented in form of risk assessment:

• Low Risk: Indicates decreased risk of the fetus having conditions screened for.
• High Risk: Suggests an increased likelihood that requires further diagnosis through tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

It's well worth remembering that a high-risk result does not diagnose a condition; it merely indicates that further evaluation is required.

Related Tests

Depending upon specific situations, health care providers might recommend additional tests:

• Prompt: Performed during the first trimester, where hCG and PAPP-A levels are measured.
• Quadruple Marker Test: The Triple Test triplets (AFP, hCG, estriol) supplemented with inhibin A for enhanced risk assessment.
• Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): Screens fetal DNA in mother's blood for chromosomal defects with high sensitivity.

These screens can further counsel and guide decisions.

Triple Marker Test is a significant aspect of prenatal screening, giving feedback on possible risk for some fetal conditions. Expectant parents through knowledge and utilization of this test are able to make informed decisions and prepare for interventions accordingly.

Your health and well-being are important to us at MaxAtHome, where you receive complete care during your pregnancy.