Let's discuss in this blog the Quadruple marker test its purpose importance, preparation and procedure.
Blood tests during pregnancy are very essential as they give a clear picture of the growth and development of the foetus and provide valuable information about the health of the foetus whether it is growing normally or if it has any health complications or associated anomalies.
The Quadruple Marker test also known as the Quad marker screening screens for various abnormalities in the foetus if present during pregnancy and is one of the most efficient tests that can detect anomalies at the very early phase of pregnancy that helps in further diagnosis.
What is a Quadruple Marker Test?
Quadruple Marker test is a type of blood test done during the Second trimester of pregnancy As the name suggests it checks for four factors these are:
These all factors are checked and based on this a complete observation is made to prepare the report.
These tests can check for any possible abnormalities and complications associated with the growth and development of the foetus.
Why Do We Need This Test?
Quadruple marker test is a definitive blood test that can check for several complications associated with the foetus Certain genetic Syndrome like Down Syndrome, Neural tube defects, Klinefelter syndrome etc lead to abnormalities in the baby here is the list of some conditions in tabulated form for which diagnosis is done
|
Condition/Diagnosis for |
What it leads to: |
|
Down syndrome |
It is a Chromosomal disorder that alters the development and intellectual ability of the newborn. |
|
Trisomy 18 |
Fatal chromosomal disorder that alters the structural development of the body. It often claims the lives of the newborn by the age of 1. |
|
Spina bifida |
A type of neural tube defect that results in underdevelopment of the spinal cord and the bones of the spine. |
|
Abdominal wall defects |
It results in external protrusion of the abdominal organs through an opening in the abdomen. |
Besides this, your doctor may refer you to this if:
- You are 35 years or above
- You have a previous history of babies born with congenital defects
- You have diabetes and insulin-related complications.
- During viral infection and gestation
- Taking harmful medication during pregnancy
What is the Purpose of the Quadruple Marker Test?
The purpose of this test is to check for any kind of complications associated with the baby and it requires the analysis of four factors that are Alpha-fetoprotein, HCG, Estriol, and Inhibin A that can be used to check the genetic syndromes associated with a growing foetus that is
- Syndrome,
- Neural tube defects (Spina Bifida)
- Klinefelter syndrome
Go and get tested by the best doctor near you to check for certain conditions during pregnancy this test will provide you valuable information about the health status of your foetus and If comes positive the expecting parents can make the appropriate decision by consulting with a doctor.
Preparation
This test doesn't require any additional preparation but under some conditions, you have to follow some instructions given by the doctor
- Inform your doctor if you are on medication or a health supplement as it may interfere with the result.
- The Quadruple Marker test is performed between the 15 -18 weeks of pregnancy. Schedule your appointment with your health provider
- Wear loose-fitting clothes to allow easy access for your arm for blood sample collection.
- This test does not require fasting so you can eat and drink normally
Procedure
- Firstly, a phlebotomist may tie a band around your upper arm to ensure the vein is visible.
- They will clean the site using a disinfectant to minimise the risk of catching infection.
- A syringe will be inserted into the vein to draw the appropriate amount of blood for the testing.
- After blood sample collection, they will withdraw the needle and seal the site using a cotton ball.
What Factors Does the Quadruple Marker Test Check?
There are a total of Four factors which are the Quad Marker that are checked during the Quadruple Marker Test here is the list of all those factors given and the results associated with the Quad marker along with their normal are given in tabulated form below.
|
Factor |
Normal levels: |
Produced from |
Quad Marker Results |
|
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) |
0-150 ng/mL (15-18 weeks) |
Baby’s liver |
High levels indicate risks of neural tube defects in the baby possibilities of Down syndrome. |
|
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) |
13,300–254,000 mIU/mL (13–16 weeks) to 4,060–165,400 mIU/mL (17–24 weeks |
Placenta |
High levels indicate the possibility of Down syndrome. |
|
Unconjugated estriol (UE) |
≤2.50 ng/mL (first trimester) and ≤9.60 ng/mL (second trimester) |
Baby and the placenta |
Low levels indicate possibilities of Down syndrome. |
|
Inhibin-A |
180 pg per milliliter (15 weeks) |
Placenta and ovaries |
High levels indicate the possibility of Down syndrome. |
Importance of Quadruple Marker Test During Pregnancy
The test is referred to during the first and second trimester of pregnancy to check for certain chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, like Down syndrome, Trisomy 13, and Trisomy 18.
- Early diagnosis of chromosome issues- The test assesses the increased risk of amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
- Informed decision-making- Early diagnosis can provide time for parents to make informed decisions about their pregnancy and make appropriate decisions regarding their baby if the condition is confirmed.
- Prenatal care- In high-risk pregnancies, an abnormal Quadruple Test result can help monitor the condition more closely, potentially improving the health of both mother and baby.
- Genetic counselling- This test is a part of genetic counselling to assess various genetic abnormalities in the growing foetus in the early phase.
What is the Cost of a Quadruple Marker Test in Delhi?
The cost of this test in Delhi ranges from 4000-5000 Rs but you may choose Ganesh Diagnostic which provides this test at an affordable price with a good discount Book your online appointment now and grab the opportunity.
Why Choose Ganesh Diagnostic?
Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and prestigious Diagnostic centres that provides a 24*7*365 Days facility with 100% accurate test results we also provide the best and the right treatment to ensure patient safety and speedy recovery, Grab the opportunity and book an online appointment now. We also provide free blood sample collection at home for different tests.
Conclusion
Quadruple marker test helps in analysing the risk of several genetic diseases during pregnancy that are required to assess the foetus' overall health this test proves to be a very important test that can screen many genetic diseases in the early phase, if you are expecting a baby go and get tested by choosing best diagnostic centre near you.
FAQs
What is the Quadruple marker test?
This test checks for any kind of genetic abnormalities and possible health complications in the Foetus and helps in early screening and diagnosis of the condition.
How can I download my report?
You can download the report from our website Ganesh diagnostic.com
What are the preparation required for this test?
No special preparation is required you only need to give a blood sample collection for lab testing
What are the Four factors analysed during the test?
The four factors are:
- Alpha-fetoprotein
- Human chorionic gonadotrophin
- Estriol
- Inhibin A
