This article will discuss the purpose, uses and procedure of triple marker pregnancy tests. We will also address some common questions related to triple-marker pregnancy tests.
What is the Triple Marker Pregnancy Test?
Triple marker pregnancy test is an innovative and advanced test used to look for the risks of birth abnormalities in the fetus. The test alerts about any congenital disorders that can occur in the fetus after birth. It involves measuring 3 substances Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Human chronic gonadotropin (HCG) & conjugated estriol (uE3).
This test is mainly conducted between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, If this test indicates a high level of the said substances then there may be abnormalities present during the pregnancy which can be deemed fatal in some cases.
However, in some cases, it can be considered that the result of this test is not certain it can depend on various factors some of which can be considered not fatal or low risk.
Purposes of Triple Marker Pregnancy Test –
This test mainly detects the chances of high-risk abnormalities such as:
- Down syndrome - It is caused by the extra presence of chromosome 21.
- Edwards Syndrome - Caused by the extra presence of chromosome 18.
- Trisomy 13 – Caused by the extra presence of chromosome 13.
- Neural Tube Defects – It is caused when the spinal cord or brain fails to develop properly.
Time When This Test is Needed
- People who are conceiving are above the age of 35.
- Any person who gave birth to a child previously with the defect.
- Any person who is looking to get pregnant using IVF.
- Any person who has preexisting issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Uses of Triple Marker Pregnancy Test
- To alert the patients to prepare themselves if they are considered to have a high-risk pregnancy.
- To determine if the patients need any other prenatal pregnancy diagnostic test.
- To decide if any other medical care or intervention is required or not during pregnancy.
- If it is determined that there is a high risk of pregnancy then it is done to prepare the parents of the said child for any future situations if needed.
Triple Marker Test Procedure
Before Test –
- Can continue with normal diet and procedures.
- No special medication is needed.
- Inform the doctor if the person is taking any medication or if the person has any sickness or not.
During Test –
- Blood is drawn from the patient just like any other test.
- Drawing 5 to 10ml Blood into the vials.
- Cleaning or disinfecting the site after removing the needle.
After the Test –
- The sample is then sent to the labs for further testing which includes testing of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Human chronic gonadotropin (HCG) & conjugated estriol (uE3).
- Calculation of the risk scores with the help of software.
- Further tests if prescribed by the doctor or if high risk is present.
Conclusion
The triple marker pregnancy test allows women to determine whether the child they are carrying poses any risk to the mother or to even themselves. It helps the parents to determine whether the odds of having the child involve high risk like genetic abnormalities, having any extra chromosomes or it’s just a safe and simple pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
What is the triple screen test used for?
The triple test is one of the range of pregnancy tests that are used to identify pregnant women whose fetus is likely to be affected by extra chromosome 21 (Down Syndrome) or any other major genetic abnormalities.
What is a triple line in a pregnancy test?
This test leads to disclosing the risk factors of fetuses suck as neural tube defects and many other congenital diseases.
What does positive mean in a triple marker test?
The positive result on this test means that there are chances of high-risk pregnancy which means the fetus has an extra chromosome or some major genetic abnormalities.
What is a normal triple marker test?
The normal range of triple marker pregnancy tests is between 0.5 – 2.5 mIU/ml.
What is a triple marker test for twins?
The test is used to measure 3 important components in the blood i.e. alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and un-conjugated estriol.
What does a negative triple marker pregnancy test depict?
A negative result means a low risk of birth defects and chromosomal abnormalities.
What does a positive triple marker pregnancy test depict?
A positive result means a high risk for high birth defects and chromosomal abnormalities but needs more tests to assess the condition.
What is the ICD-10 code for the triple marker pregnancy test unspecified?
The ICD-10 code for unspecified Double Marker Pregnancy is Z36.9.
How can Patients download triple marker pregnancy test report online?
Patients can visit Ganesh's diagnostic website or call at 011-47-444-444 / 011-47-333-333 to download the triple marker pregnancy test report online.
