Normal values of the triple markers, when measured around the 16th week, are:
- AFP: 10 to 150 ng/mL
- hCG: 9,000 to 210,000 U/L
- Estriol: 4 nmol/L
How do you read triple marker results?
The reading of this test is quite simple. If a triple marker test results positive, it means there are higher-than-average chances of your baby having congenital disabilities. On the other hand, if the result is negative, it means that your baby has no defects and is completely healthy.
What is low risk in triple marker test?
Low levels may indicate potential problems with the pregnancy, including possible miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. High levels of HGC can indicate a molar pregnancy, or a multiple pregnancy with two or more children. Estriol: An estrogen that comes from both the fetus and the placenta.
When is a triple marker test normal?
The Triple Test can be performed any time between 15 and 21.9 weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period. The highest detection rate for open neural defect is 16 to 18 weeks. The results of the test, with a full explanation, are generally available to your physician within 48 to 96 hours.
How accurate is triple marker test?
A later estimate claimed that for ultrasound-dated pregnancies, the double test had a detection rate of 58% and the triple test 67% for a screen positive rate of 5% and suggested that without ultrasound there was only a 4% difference in detection rates between the two tests.
What is the normal range for AFP in pregnancy?
Alpha-fetoprotein levels in men and non-pregnant women vary for age and race but mostly range from 0 ng/ml to 40 ng/ml. Maternal AFP levels in pregnancy start to rise from about 14th week of gestation up until about 32 weeks gestation. Between week 15 and 20 weeks, levels usually range between 10 ng/ml to 150 ng/ml.
What is an abnormal AFP result?
An AFP level between 0 ng/mL to 40 ng/mL is normal for adults. An extremely high level of AFP in your blood—greater than 400 ng/mL—could be a sign of liver tumors. High levels of AFP may mean other cancers, including Hodgkin disease, lymphoma, and renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer).
Is triple marker test necessary?
A triple marker test is a blood test that is conducted on pregnant women between the gestational age of 15 to 20 weeks to assess for possible defects in the unborn baby. This test may be necessary if the results of the double marker test are inconclusive.
Which test is better double marker or triple marker?
Triple and Quadruple Marker Test Unlike the dual marker test, a triple or quadruple screening test is carried out during the second trimester of pregnancy. The 15th to 20th week period is ideal for conducting these tests. Normally, a quadruple marker test is comparatively more sensitive than the triple marker test.
When is triple marker done in pregnancy?
Triple marker down syndrome is most commonly used to detect Down Syndrome (a chromosomal disorder) between 15 to 18 gestation weeks.
What is considered a high risk of Down syndrome?
If the screening test shows that the chance of the baby having Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome is higher than 1 in 150 – that is, anywhere between 1 in 2 and 1 in 150 – this is called a higher-chance result. Fewer than 1 in 20 results will be higher chance.
How is the diagnosis of Down syndrome confirmed?
Amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and ultrasound are the three primary procedures for diagnostic testing. Amniocentesis — Amniocentesis is used most commonly to identify chromosomal problems such as Down syndrome.
Why is AFP low in Down syndrome?
Causes of this decrease may include the production of an altered AFP molecule with modified turnover or transport properties, or a reduction in the level of AFP synthesis.
What is a low risk for trisomy 21?
It is calculated using the nuchal translucency measurement and the special blood tests. Your adjusted risk will be termed “low risk” if the risk is less than 1 in 1000. For example, 1 in 1250, 1 in 1500, 1 in 6000. “Low risk” does not mean “no” risk.
Why is AFP low in Down syndrome?
Causes of this decrease may include the production of an altered AFP molecule with modified turnover or transport properties, or a reduction in the level of AFP synthesis.
What does triple marker test indicate?
A triple marker test is a simple test to identify any genetic or chromosomal disorder, during the prenatal phase.
Does high hCG levels mean Down syndrome?
They concluded that high hCG levels were associated with Down's syndrome and because hCG levels plateau at 18 to 24 weeks, that this would be the most appropriate time for screening. Later work suggested that the ß subunit of hCG was a more effective marker than total hCG (Macri 1990; Macri 1993).
When is the triple marker blood test done?
The triple marker blood test is conducted in the second trimester. It examines the serum levels of three hormones:
What is triple marker screening?
Screening means the triple marker test report also factors in the expecting women’s age, weight, ethnicity, pre-existing diseases, type of pregnancy (multiple, twins) etc. In this article we will discuss what is triple marker test, triple marker test procedure, triple marker test cost, the difference between double marker and triple marker test, ...
what is triple marker?
A Triple marker test is a blood test conducted during pregnancy. It is not a simple diagnostic test, and it also involves a Triple marker screening. It does not provide a diagnosis; rather it simply indicates any potential genetic abnormalities in the baby. Further tests and doctor consultations are required to diagnose the suspected abnormality. Screening means the triple marker test report also factors in the expecting women’s age, weight, ethnicity, pre-existing diseases, type of pregnancy (multiple, twins) etc.
What to do if triple marker test positive?
If the results are within triple marker test, normal values ask the doctor if you need to do anything more. If triple marker test results positive against triple marker test normal values then consult a doctor immediately, who may recommend more specific tests.
Why is it important to consult a doctor for a triple marker test?
This is because: 1. Triple marker reports a high incidence of false positive results. Doctors would know best how to read triple marker test results in the triple marker test report. 2.
Why is Portea's triple marker screening important?
summary. This test is gaining popularity in India. It is very important because it can help detect and treat birth defects in children early on.
How many hormones are tested in a double marker?
In double marker only two hormones are tested: It is done between 10+6 weeks and 12+6 weeks of pregnancy. If your doctor advises, you may even not need a triple marker after a double marker. In triple marker not two but three hormones are tested, which we have discussed in a section above.
How is Triple Marker test performed?
Triple marker test can be performed at any time during the day and will only take a few minutes. A technician will clean an area on your upper arm with an antiseptic solution and tie a tourniquet to help locate a vein easily. Using a sterile needle, he/she will withdraw a small amount of blood. This might cause slight discomfort or pain. The blood sample will be deposited in a vial, and the site of the puncture will be covered with cotton gauze and bandage. Some women may develop a bruise at the site of puncture, but it will fade away soon.
How do you prepare for Triple Marker test?
The test does not require much preparation beforehand. However, for the ease of diagnosis, it is important for the woman to inform the doctor about the medicines she may be taking and give a detailed medical history.
What does abnormal test result mean?
Abnormal results are sometimes called a "positive" result, which means the foetus may be at risk of developing a congenital disability. The following list correlates the change in values of the three marker tests with the possible underlying conditions:
What does triple marker test do?
What does a triple marker screen test do? A triple marker screen test takes a sample of blood and detects the levels of AFP, HCG, and estriol in it. AFP: A protein produced by the fetus.
What does triple marker mean in pregnancy?
A triple marker screen test can indicate potential complications with a pregnancy, as well as the presence of multiple fetuses. This helps parents prepare for birth. If all the test results are normal, parents know that they are less likely to have a child with a genetic disorder.
Why do we do triple marker screening?
Triple marker screen tests help prospective parents prepare and assess options. They also alert doctors to watch a fetus more closely for other signs of complications.
What is the test for placenta?
The exam measures the levels of three important substances in the placenta: Triple marker screening is administered as a blood test. It’s used for women who are between 15 and 20 weeks pregnant. An alternative to this test is the quadruple marker screen test, which also looks at a substance called inhibin A.
How is a triple marker screen administered?
How is a triple marker screen test administered? The triple marker screen test is administrated in a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, or lab. The process is similar to any other blood test. A doctor, nurse, or lab technician cleans the patch of skin where they will insert the needle.
What to do if AFP test results are high?
If your results show high levels of AFP, your doctor will likely order a detailed ultrasound to examine the fetal skull and spine for neural tube defects. Ultrasounds can also help determine the age of the fetus and how many fetuses a woman is carrying. Last medically reviewed on October 14, 2016. Parenthood.
Do women need to take a triple marker test?
Women do not need to prepare for a triple marker screen test. There are no eating or drinking requirements beforehand. Moreover, there are no risks associated with taking the triple marker screen test.
What is the Triple Test?
The Triple Test is a blood test performed during pregnancy to help you and your physician learn more about your developing baby. Its purpose is to SCREEN for possible neural tube defects, Down syndrome and Trisomy 18 in the developing baby. The laboratory will measure three substances in your blood: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estriol.
How long does it take for a triple test to show neural defects?
The Triple Test can be performed any time between 15 and 21.9 weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period. The highest detection rate for open neural defect is 16 to 18 weeks. The results of the test, with a full explanation, are generally available to your physician within 48 to 96 hours.
Why should someone consider having a Triple Test?
MSAFP (Maternal serum AFP) may lead to the detection of up to 85% of open neural tube defects when used in con junction with diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and amniocentesis. Abnormal Triple Test results followed by ultrasound and amniocentesis may lead to the detection of 60 to 70% of Down syndrome pregnancies and many Trisomy 18 pregnancies. In addition to providing information about potential neural tube defects, Down syndrome and Trisomy 18 the Triple Test may provide information that could help to identify twins, find certain other abnormalities that may be present and alert your physician to increased risks for other pregnancy complications.
What if my result is screen positive for Down Syndrome or Trisomy 18?
Low MSAFP and estriol combine with high hCG concentrations may be found in pregnancies with Down syndrome. Low levels of MSAFP, estriol and hCG are often found in pregnancies with Trisomy 18. These abnormal Triple Test results also may be due to a pregnancy that is less far along than what was thought previously. Following an abnormal result, some physicians may recommend an ultrasound to verify the baby’s age or amniocentesis to study the baby’s chromosomes.
What if my MSAFP result is elevated?
An elevated MSAFP result does not necessarily indicate that the baby has a neural tube defect. Since the levels of MSAFP depend, among other factors, on the age of the developing fetus, a test result may appear to be high, but may not be if the baby’s age has been miscalculated. There are also other possible causes, including twin pregnancy, vaginal bleeding and the presence of less common birth defects. Occasionally, MSAFP results are elevated for no apparent reason.
What is the AFP, estriol and hCG?
The AFP, estriol and hCG values are factored together with information about you (your age, gestational age, weight, race, and diabetic status) and risks for Down syndrome and Trisomy 18 are provided. It is very important to remember that this is a SCREENING test and will not tell for certain that the baby has a problem.
What are the three substances that are measured in the laboratory?
The laboratory will measure three substances in your blood: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estriol. AFP is a substance made by the baby that enters the amniotic fluid (the bag of water surrounding the baby) and the mother’s bloodstream. A small amount of AFP is normally found in the amniotic fluid and ...
How long does it take for a triple screen to be performed?
The triple screen test involves drawing blood from the mother which takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for testing. The results usually take a few days to receive.
Why is it important to discuss the risks and benefits of testing thoroughly with your healthcare provider?
It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of testing thoroughly with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will help you evaluate if the benefits from the results could outweigh any risks from the procedure.
