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Maternal Triple Marker Test (14 To 20 Weeks)

Overview Parameters

Test code

M0024

Schedule

Daily

Pre-requisite

Provide Maternal Date of Birth (DD/MM/YY); LMP or Ultrasound; IVF, Number of Fetuses (Single/ Twins); Diabetic Status and Body Weight in Kg, Smoking & Previous History of Trisomy 21 Pregnancy in Maternal Serum Screen Form. Valid Between 14-22 Weeks Gestation (Ideal 15-20 Weeks).

Report time

24 Hours

Price

₹2,680

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Parameters

AFPBETA HCGEstriol, Free(UE3)Remarks:

Triple marker test

It is a simple blood test done during second trimester of pregnancy to screen for certain chromosomal anomalies in foetus. Hence maternal triple marker test is also called second trimester maternal serum screening test. This test forms a vital component of second trimester screening in pregnancy. This screening test should be an integral part of antenatal care of all pregnant women.

It is only a predictive test (not a definitive test) which means this test only tells the likelihood of the foetus having chromosomal anomalies. Hence confirmatory tests such as amniocentesis are further needed if the result of this test comes as increased risk. The three markers tested are alpha fetoprotein, beta-hCG and unconjugated estriol hence called triple marker test. These three markers are independent predictors of genetic risk and in combination with maternal age generate patient specific risk of a foetus with trisomy21or downs syndrome. Triple test in pregnancy is performed between 15 and 21 weeks of pregnancy.

In a normal pregnancy the foetus has 22 pair of chromosomes (i.e. 44 autosomal chromosomes) and 2 sex chromosomes (XX in female foetus and XY in male foetus). Chromosomal anomalies can affect any of these chromosomes.

The various anomalies screened by maternal triple marker test in pregnancy are:

Why is triple marker test prescribed?

The health care provider may ask a pregnant woman to undergo triple marker test in second trimester of pregnancy to assess the risk of Down’s syndrome, Neural tube defects and other chromosomal abnormalities like trisomy 18 in the foetus. This test is not compulsory but is advisable in those pregnant women with risk factors such as:

What are the components of maternal triple marker test?

Triple marker blood test includes measurement of three biochemical markers in blood:

This test is usually done following a second trimester ultrasound examination to assess the risk for above anomalies in the foetus. Few other demographic details are required to calculate the risk, like maternal weight, Date of Birth, diabetes status, smoker or not etc. The result is either screen positive (high risk) or screen negative (low risk).

Procedure and prerequisites

The sample for triple marker test in pregnancy is taken from blood (serum) by inserting a small needle into vein of your arm .A small amount of blood is then collected in test tube or vial .You may feel some pain due to needle prick. No special preparations are needed for this test.

A maternal screen consent form needs to be filled with few other details along with the latest ultrasound scan report (Second trimester scan) copy.

Down’s syndrome –in this anomaly there is extra copy of chromosome 21. Therefore it is also called trisomy 21.
Edward’s syndrome-in this anomaly there is extra copy of chromosome 18. Hence it is also called trisomy 18.
Neural tube defects-such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Age above 35 years
Family history of congenital anomalies
Family/personal history of diabetes
Antenatal drug usage with proven side effects
Antenatal viral infection
over exposure to radiation during early pregnancy

Beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin(beta-hCG)-its level increase with various chromosomal anomalies such as Down’s syndrome
Alpha fetoprotein-it is a protein secreted by liver and gastrointestinal tract of foetus. Its level is low in chromosomal anomalies. Its level increases in neural tube defects.
Unconjugated estriol-it is a steroid molecule formed from combined activity of foetal adrenal gland and placenta. Its level is low in chromosomal anomalies.