The results usually take a few days to receive. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for testing. The triple screen test involves drawing blood from the mother which takes about 5 to 10 minutes. These tests DO NOT diagnose a problem they only signal that further testing should be done. They compare a number of different factors (including age, ethnicity, results from blood tests, etc…) and then estimate what a person’s chances are of having an abnormality. Screening tests do not look only at results from the blood test. This will help alleviate some of the anxiety that can accompany test results. It is very important to remember what a screening test is before getting one performed. It is a non-invasive procedure done through a blood test with little to no known risk to the mother or developing baby. HCG: human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced within the placentaĮstriol: estriol is an estrogen produced by both the fetus and the placenta Supplements and Medications for a Healthy PregnancyĪlso Known as Triple Test, Multiple Marker Screening and AFP Plus The triple screen test is a maternal blood screening test that looks for three specific substances: AFP, hCG, and Estriol.ĪFP: alpha-fetoprotein is a protein that is produced by the fetus.Products & Tests to Support Your Pregnancy.Conception Health and Nutrition Support.Can I get pregnant if…and other questions about conception.ACOG/SMFM Issue New Guidelines for Prenatal Genetic Screening. Prenatal Information Research Consortium.Quad Screen as a Predictor of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.It’s important to understand that the quad marker screening doesn’t mean the baby has a genetic disorder. These changes alert the healthcare provider to possible genetic disorders. The risk of having a baby with Down syndrome increases with higher-than-expected levels of this protein.Īs your pregnancy goes on, the levels of these substances change. Inhibin-A: Your placenta and ovaries produce this protein.Levels that are higher than expected could mean an increased risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): The placenta makes a hormone called hCG, which the screening detects.Low levels indicate a higher risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. Unconjugated estriol (UE): Your baby and placenta (the structure providing nutrients to your baby) produce this hormone.Low AFP levels could mean a higher risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. But it can also mean that the pregnancy is farther along than you thought. Levels higher than expected could mean the baby has a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida or anencephaly. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): Your baby’s liver produces AFP.What does the quad screen check?Ī quad screen checks for four things in your blood: It is safe for your baby and only requires a needle poke for the mother. A lab technician gets enough of a blood sample from one of your veins to run the screen. The quad screen involves drawing a little blood. How is the quad marker screen done, and is it safe? Used harmful medications or drugs while pregnant.Have been exposed to high levels of radiation.Have a family history of congenital disabilities ( birth defects).Had a viral infection during your pregnancy.Your healthcare provider may recommend having a quad screen if you: You’ll get the most accurate results between the 16th and 18th weeks. If you decide to have the screening, it will be between the 15th and 20th weeks of your pregnancy, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period. Your healthcare provider will ask you if you want the quad marker screen during your second trimester. When do I need to have the quad screen done? It can help your healthcare provider determine if your fetus has the marker or sign for Down syndrome and other genetic disorders. The quad screen is a simple blood test that your provider may do between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. “Quad” refers to the fact that the screening tests four factors in your blood. The quad screen, or quad marker screen, is one test you may have during your second trimester. Some visits include blood tests and other screenings to keep a close eye on your baby’s health. During your pregnancy, you will see your healthcare provider every few weeks.

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