Triple Test

The analyte values along with maternal demographic information such as age, weight, gestational age, diabetic status, and race are used together in a mathematical model to derive a risk estimate.

The laboratory establishes a specific cutoff for each condition, which classifies each screen as either screen-positive or screen-negative. A screen-positive result indicates that the value obtained exceeds the established cutoff. This test is a screening test, a positive screen does not provide a diagnosis, but indicates that further evaluation/genetic counseling should be considered.

Incorrect or incomplete information may significantly alter results. Risks are adjusted for donor eggs, frozen embryos, and IVF. Results may be unreliable in twin pregnancies with a fetal demise. Results are not available for pregnancies with triplets and higher-order multiples.

This test can be done during 14 - 22 of gestational age only. Blood sample is provided along with the latest USG report with other important details like weight, date of birth, date of collection, maternal race, History - smoking, diabetes, IVF and all common aneuploidy.

• The test is recommended for mothers who are pregnant at an advanced age or depending on the age of the egg donor
• It is recommended if there is a family history of genetic problems or chromosomal abnormalities
• The test is recommended for pregnant women who have previously screened positive for chromosomal abnormalities in previous pregnancies
• The test is recommended for those whose dual marker screening tests may have come ambiguous or at a certain risk.

The test is done to find out if your baby might be at risk for certain birth defects, such as Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and birth defects of the spinal column and brain (called neural tube defects).

Other names: Triple Marker test, triple test

More about Triple Marker test 

Multiple marker serum screening has become a standard tool used in obstetrical care to identify pregnancies that may have an increased risk for certain birth defects, including neural tube defects (NTD), trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), and trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome). The screen is performed by measuring analytes in maternal serum that are produced by the fetus and the placenta.

The analytes that are measured in triple test include AFP (Alpha fetoprotein), HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) and UE3 (Unconjugated Estriol).

Neural Tube Defects 

An AFP multiple of the median (MoM) <2.5 is reported as screen negative. AFP MoMs > or =2.5 (singleton and twin pregnancies) are reported as screen positive.

Trisomy 21 

Calculated screen risk of >1:50-1:250 are reported as screen positive.

1:250 risk factor means: Out of 250 women having similar results and history, 1 may have abnormality.

Trisomy 18 

Calculated screen risk of >1:50-1:100 are reported as screen positive.

1:100 risk factor means: Out of 100 women having similar results and history, 1 may have abnormality.

Interpretation

A screen-positive result indicates that the value obtained exceeds the established cutoff. This test is a screening test, a positive screen does not provide a diagnosis, but indicates that further evaluation/genetic counselling should be considered. Incorrect or incomplete information may significantly alter results. Risks are adjusted for donor eggs, frozen embryos, and IVF. Results may be unreliable in twin pregnancies with a fetal demise. Results are not available for pregnancies with triplets and higher-order multiples. 

Your doctor will help interpret the test report for you.