Quadruple Test in Pune

What is this test?

The quadruple marker test helps to detect chromosomal abnormalities in the growing fetus. The test measures 4 hormones in the mother's blood. Based on the results, it predicts the risk of diseases like Down's Syndrome in the baby.

Who should do the quadruple marker test?

The test should be done by all mothers during the second trimester (months 4/5 of pregnancy). It is even more important in mothers who fit the following criteria.

• Mother's age more than 35 : Women older than 35 years, should definitely get the double marker test, as their children are at a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
• Family History : There is a family history of chromosomal abnormalities or complicated pregnancies.
• IVF Pregnancies : If you are having an assisted pregnancy, it is more important to have a double marker test
• Routine screening : The test is recommended in all pregnancies, between week 11-13.
• Mother is smoker/diabetic/obese : If the mother is a smoker or a diabetic or overweight, there is higher risk for chromosomal abnormalities in the baby and so this test is essential
• History of miscarriage : Mothers who have a past history of miscarriage, due to unexplained reasons, are more likely to have children with chromosomal abnormalities.

When to do the Quadruple Marker Test?

This test should be done during 15-20 weeks of pregnancy, or at any time between month 4 and month 5 of pregnancy

What does Quadruple marker test measure?

Triple marker test measures levels of four hormones in the mother's blood : Beta-HCG Level, Alpha Feto Protein, Free Estradiol Level and Inhibin-A. Based on these levels, and data from recent USG report, it can predict the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.

The only difference between this test and the triple marker test, is that, this test measures levels of Inhibin-A as well.

What are chromosomal abnormalities?

Normally, humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. In conditions tike Down's syndrome, there are 3 chromosomes, instead of 2 at some positions. This leads to many diseases in later life. Double marker test can predict whether a fetus will have these diseases.

Which genetic disease can triple marker test predict?

Quadruple Marker Test can predict the risk of various trisomies - disorders in which there are 3 chromosomes at a given position, instead of two. Disease include :

• Down's Syndrome - 3 chromosomes at position 21, babies have poor immunity, low IQ, heart defects, abnormal face and poor long term survival.
• Edwards's Syndrome - 3 chromosomes at position 18, babies have many physical abnormalities
• Neural Tube Defects - Defects in spinal chord and brain of baby, babies do not survive long

How is the test done?

This is a simple blood test and requires no special preparation. You do not need to be fasting for this test.

To perform this test, a sample of blood will be drawn from your vein, by inserting a sterile needle. The blood sample will then be analyzed in the lab.

The test uses some data from USG or ultrasound report. For this purpose you are required to have a USG done before giving your blood sample and get the report of the USG with you while coming for this test.

What will be included in the report?

The report includes the levels of Beta HCG, Alpha Feto Protein, Free Estradiol, Inhibin-A, together with risk estimates for Down's Syndrome and other trisomies. The following table describes each parameter in the double marker report:

Parameter	Meaning
Beta-HCG	Level of hormone, seen in pregnancy
Alpha Feto Protein	Another hormone seen in pregnancy
Free Estradiol	Type of estrogen seen in pregnancy
Inhibin-A	Type of hormone
Risk of Trisomy 21	Chances of fetus having chromosomal abnormalities at chromosome 21 (Down's Syndrome). Normal Range is less than 0.25%
Risk of Trisomy 18	Chances of fetus having chromosomal abnormalities at chromosome 18 (Edward's Syndrome). Normal Range is less than 1%
Risk of Neural Tube Defects	Chances of fetus having defects in spinal chord. Normal Range is less than 2.05 MOM
Mother's Weight	Weight of mother
Week of Pregnancy	Current Week of Pregnancy

Summary

Sample Type	Blood
Time to Get Report	Upto 2 days
Test Method	CMIA
Normal Range	Down's Syndrome Risk : less than 0.25%, Trisomy 18 risk : less than 1%, Neural Tube Defect Risk : less than 2.05 MOM
Purpose of test	Detecting chromosomal abnormalities in fetus
Intended for	Adult pregnancy females
Fasting Required	No
Total Tests	6
Doctor's Prescription Required	Yes
Other requirements	Recent Ultrasound Report
Reports Available By	PDF available through Watsapp,Email and Hardcopy(on request)
Other Names	Quadruple Marker, 2nd Trimester Screening Test for Down's Synrdome, Perinatal Screening Test, Quad Screen for pregnancy