Quadruple Marker with Graph - 2nd Trimester

The Inhibin A test measures the level of inhibin A in the blood. It is a hormone primarily produced by the ovaries in women. It plays a key role in regulating menstrual cycle and ovarian function by inhibiting the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). During pregnancy, elevated levels of Inhibin A may point towards a risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities like Down’s syndrome etc., in the fetus. 

The Inhibin A test is particularly useful in assessing ovarian function, fertility assessment, prenatal screening and diagnosing certain ovarian cancers.

The 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 to 12 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.

An Alpha Feto Protein, Maternal test measures the amount of Alpha Fetoprotein in expectant mothers usually during the second trimester (14th and 22nd weeks). AFP is a protein produced by the fetus, primarily by the fetal liver and yolk sac, and it passes into the mother's blood. The test is typically performed to screen for certain fetal abnormalities, particularly neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly, as well as chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), etc. 

Detecting these abnormalities early in pregnancy allows for appropriate medical management and intervention.

The Estriol Unconjugated test is used to assess the level of unconjugated estriol (uE3) in the blood, a specific type of estrogen produced during the pregnancy phase. This hormone is mainly synthesized in the placenta and the fetus, with the fetus being responsible for a substantial amount of uE3 production as it grows. 

Monitoring the uE3 levels in the maternal serum is useful in evaluating the condition of the fetus. Abnormal unconjugated estriol levels may indicate pregnancy-related complications or concerns, including chromosomal abnormalities, fetal distress, or placental problems. The Estriol Unconjugated is particularly crucial in the second trimester to assess for some conditions, such as Down syndrome, Edward syndrome, or other chromosomal abnormalities, fetal growth and development. Hence the estriol unconjugated test is a significant part of prenatal care as it reveals information that may be valuable for the diagnosis and management of the mother and the baby.