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Triple Marker with Graph, 2nd Trimester in New Delhi

Also known as Triple Marker Pregnancy Test (Graph), Maternal Screening Test

Triple Marker with Graph, 2nd Trimester in New Delhi Includes 2 testsView All

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Female

Test Preparation

Provide maternal Date of birth (dd/mm/yy); LMP or Ultrasound; Number of Fetuses (Single/Twins); Diabetic status and Body Weight in Kg, IVF, Smoking & Previous history of Trisomy 21 pregnancy.
A duly filled Maternal Serum Screen requisition form (Annexure - CR/02) is mandatory.
Valid between 14-22 weeks gestation (Ideal 15-20 weeks). USG report is required.

Understanding Triple Marker with Graph, 2nd Trimester in New Delhi

What is Triple Marker with Graph, 2nd Trimester in New Delhi?

Triple Marker with Graph is a maternal screening test that provides useful information about pregnancy. This test is valid between 14-22 weeks gestation (Ideal 15-20 weeks) of pregnancy to assess and screen the fetus for certain birth defects. The test measures the level of three biochemical markers in the blood, Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and Estriol, and along with USG findings, calculates the risk of certain genetic defects in the fetus.

The triple marker is a blood test that helps to screen for certain genetic disorders like Down's syndrome, Edward's syndrome, and open neural tube defects.

In case the risk assessment gives an increased chance of genetic defects in the fetus, confirmatory tests are required like Chorionic villus biopsy Amniocentesis or NIPT. Sometimes a detailed ultrasound is also done to examine the fetal skull and spine.

The screening test is a statistical analysis of a patient’s data and depends upon the patient's age, weight, number of fetuses, IVF, weeks of pregnancy, etc., and the results are illustrated in the form of a graph in the test report. The approximate detection rate varies from 55-65% with a false positive rate of approx 5%. Confirmation is mandatory by other methods.

NOTE: It has been acknowledged that using different software for statistical analysis could lead to dissimilar risk calculations.

What does Triple Marker with Graph, 2nd Trimester measure?

Contains 2 tests

Maternal Screening tests measure risk only. They don’t tell you for sure if the fetus has a genetic condition. A positive result means the fetus is at a higher risk for that disorder than the general population. A negative result means the fetus is at a lower risk of having that disorder than the general population.

HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal

An HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test measures the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in the blood. hCG is released in the blood during pregnancy and can be detected as early as 10 days after conception. The levels of this hormone gradually rise every 2 to 3 days (or 48 to 72 hours) and peak around 8 to 11 weeks after conception. After reaching the peak, the hCG levels decrease and remain steady for the rest of the pregnancy.

Know more about HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal

Unconjugated Estriol

Unconjugated Estriol is a type of estrogen hormone produced by the placenta. Abnormal levels may suggest an increased risk of the developing baby being born with chromosomal abnormalities.

Know more about Unconjugated Estriol

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Triple Marker with Graph, 2nd Trimester in New Delhi

Frequently Asked Questions about Triple Marker with Graph, 2nd Trimester in New Delhi

Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?

Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

Q. Can the defects in fetus be caused because of the age of pregnant women?

Yes, a pregnant woman who is 35 years or older has a greater risk of developing defects in the fetus. Apart from that, other factors such as exposure of the woman to high levels of radiation, diabetes or if the woman is taking insulin can affect the development of the fetus. Viral infection at the time of pregnancy can also be a risk factor in the development of the fetus.

Q. Is Triple marker with graph test only advised for women of age 35 years or more?

No, this test not only for women of age 35 years or more. Every pregnant woman is advised to take this test, as it is very important for detecting any abnormality in the fetus before birth. This test is done in between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Q. What other tests are required for diagnosis of abnormalities in fetus?

In case the results are abnormal, the doctor may advise amniocentesis in which a thin, hollow needle is used to withdraw amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the fetus) from the uterus. This test is useful to detect any genetic or fetal conditions present in the fetus. If the levels of AFP are high, the doctor will advise ultrasound for a detailed examination of neural tube defects.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. What is Down's syndrome?

It is a genetic disorder in which extra genetic material from chromosome 21 gets transferred to the fetus. This transfer affects the development of the fetus leading to abnormal development both physically and mentally. The affected baby will have a small head and short neck, obliquely positioned eyes looking in an upward direction, large tongue coming out of the mouth, flat face, wide hands with short fingers, and lack of muscle tone.

Q. What is Trisomy 18?

It is also known as Edwards Syndrome which is caused by the development of an extra chromosome 18. Because of this, the normal pattern of development in the baby gets disturbed even before its birth. The effects caused by Trisomy 18 are very complicated as compared to Down syndrome. The effects are so severe that it can cause stillbirth (death at the time of birth) of the child.

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