What is a Triple Marker Test

The triple marker test is a prenatal test performed during pregnancy. It is a triple marker screening test done using blood. It is not a diagnostic test but is a test to assess the risk of genetic abnormalities in the baby. This test is done in the second trimester, between 15 and 21.9 weeks after the first day of the last menstrual cycle. Neural defects are best detected between 16-18 weeks. It takes 48 to 96 hours for the physician to get complete results. It is advisable for all pregnant women, especially those with a family history of genetic issues, age 35 years and above, to get this done.

    Enquire Now

    • Yes Same as WhatsApp number

    • By clicking on Send, you accept to receive communication from Yashoda Hospitals on email, SMS, call and Whatsapp.

    Need Any Medical Help?

    Talk to Our Health Care Experts!

    doctor avatar

    Need Any Medical Help?

    Have any Questions?

    Why Choose Yashoda Hospitals

    Yashoda Hospitals is committed to providing world-class treatment for patients from across the globe. With the unique combination of state-of-the-art technology, intuitive care, and clinical excellence, we are the healthcare destination for thousands of international patients in India.

    blank
    Comprehensive Care

    On the journey to good health, we understand that it is important for you to feel at home. We plan out all aspects of your trip.

    blank
    Expert Doctors

    Experienced specialists perform non-invasive and minimally invasive surgeries to provide the best treatment for international patients.

    blank
    Cutting-Edge Technology

    Our hospitals are equipped with advanced technology to perform a wide range of procedures and treatments.

    blank
    Clinical Excellence

    We deliver excellence by delivering quick and efficient healthcare and through pioneering research that helps all our future.patients.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Triple marker test is used for detecting the possible chances that a baby might develop certain birth defects such as Spina bifida, Down syndrome, and other genetic disorders. It basically measures the quantity of three substances, namely:  

    • Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): high level of this protein shows the chances of birth defects
    • Estriol (uE3).
    • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). 

    The Triple Marker Test involves three markers, and hence, the name. These test results indicate possible complications in pregnancy, such as the probability of birth or chromosomal or genetic defects in the foetus or indicate the presence of multiple foetuses. A positive result confirms the above defects, and if the results are negative, the baby is normal.

    Triple Marker Test is needed if you have a

    • Family history of genetic disorders
    • Age 35 and above
    •  If you are a diabetic 
    • And if you are pregnant regardless of their age

    Getting this test done is essential as it indicates potential complications that the child might develop. If tests are positive, more specific tests like amniocentesis are done to confirm it. This test helps the parents to know the likelihood that the child might have or not have genetic disorders.

    The Triple Marker Test is a simple blood test. Normally, health care professionals draw blood from the veins in the arm after sterilizing the area. They transfer the sample collected into labelled vials and take them to diagnostic labs for biochemical analysis to analyse for the three levels of

    or the amount of

    • Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) 
    • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) ,
    •  Estriol (uE3) ,
    •  Hormone inhibin A  

    Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by trophoblast cells which surround the growing embryo. The level of HcG is one of the other three hormones measured in the Triple marker test. Higher levels indicate multiple pregnancies. The normal level of hCG in the Triple Marker test is 9,000-210,000 U/L.

    After screening, if the levels of three markers AFP, estriol, and hCG are in the normal range, it indicates that the baby is not suffering from neural tube defect, Down syndrome, or Trisomy 18. But the triple marker test does not rule out the occurrence of other genetic disorders. However, it does give a genetic profile of the growing foetus to some extent.

    Triple marker test is accurate by 70-80 percent in detecting a risk of Down syndrome and a few neural tube defects.  The triple screen test assesses the serum level of estriol, AFP and beta -hCG at a 70% sensitivity and chances of false-positive test rate at 5%.

    Low levels may show underlying problems in pregnancy. The possibility of risk of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is more when the levels are low. High levels indicate molar pregnancy or multiple pregnancies with two or more babies.

    The most common cause of abnormal triple screen tests is wrong pregnancy dates with respect to the last menstrual period date. The baby is much older than what the mother had given. All the birth defects cannot be detected by this triple screen test.

    Doctors suggest a triple marker test to examine the likelihood of genetic/birth and chromosomal defects in developing foetuses. This test helps in screening for genetic diseases such as Trisomy 18, Down syndrome, and possible neural defects. If detected early, doctors can take necessary precautions or other medical interventions.

     

     Book an appointment or Get a free second opinion from our experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.