Triple Marker Test in Pregnancy

A Triple Marker Test is a blood test conducted during pregnancy. It is not a simple diagnostic test, and that analyses the development of the foetus inside the womb.

 

Triple Marker Test

Here are the basic details for the Triple Marker Test.

Also Known As	Triple Test, TMT, Triple Marker Screening
Type	Screening Test
Purpose	Check Foetus inside the Womb during pregnancy
Sample Type	Serum
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	No
Gender	Female
Age-Group	18+
Normal Value	AFP Marker - less than 20 ng/mL HCG - 4,060 - 165400 mIU/ml Estriol - < 14.60ng/ml (Pregnancy Third Trimester)
Reporting Time	1 - 3 days
Cost	1500 - 4200* INR

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

Triple Marker Test in Pregnancy

• The Triple Marker Test is a prenatal screening test that measures levels of three substances in the mother's blood: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and estriol (E3).
• The test is typically performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy and is used to assess the risk of certain birth defects, chromosomal abnormalities, and other pregnancy-related conditions.
• Abnormal levels of any of the markers may indicate a higher risk of certain conditions, but further testing and evaluation are usually needed to confirm any potential issues.
• The test is a non-invasive and relatively safe way to screen for potential issues during pregnancy.

Interesting Facts About Pregnancy

• Pregnancy typically lasts around 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period.
• The baby's heart begins to beat around 6 weeks into pregnancy.
• Pregnant women may experience food cravings, mood swings, and increased blood volume.

 

What is Triple Marker Test

• A prenatal screening test that measures levels of three substances in the mother's blood: AFP, hCG, and E3
• Used to assess the risk of certain birth defects, chromosomal abnormalities, and other pregnancy-related conditions
• Non-invasive and relatively safe way to screen for potential issues during pregnancy
• Typically performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy
• Results can help healthcare providers determine if further diagnostic testing is necessary

 

Triple Marker Test Purpose

The triple marker test's purpose is to help identify pregnancies that may require further diagnostic testing and management. Here are some bullet points outlining its purpose:

• To screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and neural tube defects.
• To identify pregnancies that may require further diagnostic testing.
• To provide information to expectant parents about the health of their developing baby.
• To help healthcare providers make informed decisions about the management of the pregnancy.

 

 

Triple Marker Test Preparation

Here are the preparation guidelines for the triple marker test:

 

Before Test

• Consult with your doctor and inform them about any medications or supplements you are taking
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arm for blood sample collection
• Follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor

 

During Test

• A blood sample will be drawn from your arm
• The procedure usually takes only a few minutes

 

After Test

• You can resume your normal activities immediately after the test
• Follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor
• Wait for the test results to come back and discuss them with your doctor.

Summary

The triple marker test involves a blood sample collection and requires no special preparation or restrictions, with results to be discussed with the doctor.

 

Triple Marker Test Procedure

• The patient is asked to sit down and relax while a healthcare professional draws a blood sample from their arm using a needle.
• The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• The laboratory technicians analyze the sample for the levels of three substances: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and estriol.
• The test results are usually available within a few days and are sent to the doctor who ordered the test.
• The doctor will interpret the results and discuss them with the patient to determine the next steps.

 

Triple Marker Test Result

• The test provides the level of three substances in the mother's blood, which can indicate the likelihood of certain conditions in the fetus.
• The normal range of results varies depending on factors such as the gestational age of the fetus, the mother's age, and other individual factors.
• Abnormal results may indicate a higher risk of certain birth defects, genetic disorders, or chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. However, it's important to note that abnormal results do not necessarily mean that the fetus has a condition, and further testing may be needed to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

 

Triple Marker Test Report

Triple Marker Test Report PDF

 

Triple Marker Test Normal Report

Triple Marker Normal Test Report PDF Format

Triple Marker Test Normal Result Report PDF

 

Triple Marker Test Abnormal Report

Triple Marker Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

Triple Marker Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

 

Triple Marker Test Normal Values

The normal range for Triple Marker test results can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and testing methods used. However, here is a general table of normal ranges for each of the three markers:

Type	Gender	Age-Group	Value
Alpha-Fetoprotein Marker	Unisex	Adult	less than 20 ng/ml greater than 400 ng/mL - could be a sign of liver tumors.
HCG	Female	All age groups	4,060 - 165400 mIU/ml
Estriol	Female	All age groups	< 14.60ng/ml (Pregnancy Third Trimester)

 

WEEKS OF GESTATION	AFP (ng/ml)	HCG (mIU/ml)	ESTRIOL, Free  (ng/ml)
14	27.20	40370	0.37
15	32.01	32200	0.55
16	37.67	25690	0.76
17	44.33	20490	1.00
18	52.16	16340	1.25
19	61.38	13040	1.50
20	72.33	10400	1.76
21	85.00	8295	1.99
22	100.02	6620	2.30

It is important to note that abnormal levels of any of these markers may not necessarily indicate a problem with the pregnancy, and further testing or evaluation may be needed to confirm any potential issues.

 

Triple Marker Test Interpretation

The interpretation of Triple Marker test results can vary depending on the laboratory and testing methods used, as well as other factors such as the patient's age and gestational age. Here is a general table of potential interpretations for Triple Marker test results:

Marker Combination	Interpretation
Low AFP, Low hCG, Low E3	Increased risk of Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities
High AFP, Low hCG, Low E3	Increased risk of neural tube defects or abdominal wall defects
Low AFP, High hCG, Low E3	Increased risk of Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities
Low AFP, Low hCG, High E3	No established significant increase in risk
High AFP, High hCG, High E3	Increased risk of Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities
High AFP, High hCG, Low E3	Increased risk of placental or fetal abnormalities

It is important to note that abnormal levels of any of these markers may not necessarily indicate a problem with the pregnancy, and further testing or evaluation may be needed to confirm any potential issues.

 

Difference Between Double Marker and Triple Marker Test

Here are some key differences between the Double Marker and Triple Marker tests:

Triple Marker Test	Double Marker Test
Done between 14-20 weeks of pregnancy	Done between 10-14 weeks of pregnancy
Measures three markers: β-hCG, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and unconjugated estriol (uE3)	Measures two markers: beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A)
Screens for Down syndrome and neural tube defects	Screens for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities
Provides a risk score for the fetus having Down syndrome and/or neural tube defects	Provides a risk score for the fetus having Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities
More accurate than the Double Marker test	Less accurate than the Triple Marker test
Generally not followed by another test	May be followed by a Triple Marker test if the risk for neural tube defects is still present

Summary

It is important to note that both the Double Marker and Triple Marker tests are screening tests, which means that they provide a risk score for the fetus having a certain condition. These tests are not diagnostic, and further testing may be recommended to confirm a diagnosis.

 

Triple Marker Test is Safe?

• The Triple Marker test is generally considered safe and non-invasive.
• The test involves a simple blood draw, which is a routine procedure and carries minimal risks, such as mild pain or bruising at the site of the needle.
• However, as with any medical test, there is a small risk of infection or bleeding at the site of the needle.
• It is important to follow any pre-test instructions given by your healthcare provider to minimize these risks.

 

When Do You Get Triple Marker Test Results?

The turnaround time for receiving Triple Marker test results can vary depending on the laboratory and healthcare provider you use.

• The blood sample is collected and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
• It may take 1 - 3 days for the laboratory to process the sample and generate the test results.
• Your healthcare provider will typically contact you to discuss the results and provide any necessary follow-up or recommendations.

It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure that you receive your test results in a timely manner and receive appropriate care or further testing if necessary.

 

Triple Marker Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the Triple Marker Test.

• Limited accuracy for detecting certain chromosomal abnormalities.
• Inability to diagnose specific genetic disorders or birth defects.
• Higher false-positive and false-negative rates.
• The limited gestational age range for reliable results.
• Requires follow-up tests for definitive diagnosis.

 

Triple Marker Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the Triple Marker Test.

• False-positive results lead to unnecessary anxiety and interventions.
• False-negative results give a false sense of reassurance.
• Inconclusive or ambiguous results require further testing.
• Potential for procedure-related complications, such as bleeding or infection.
• Emotional distress and anxiety associated with waiting for results.

 

Doctor Recommendations After Triple Marker Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after Triple Marker Test.

Test Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Visit
High	Obstetrician	Further evaluation needed
Normal	Obstetrician	Routine prenatal care
Low	Obstetrician	Further evaluation needed

 

Triple Marker Test Price

Here are the estimated Triple Marker Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	1500 - 4200
New Delhi	2000 - 4200
Bangalore	1500 - 4200
Hyderabad	2000 - 4200
Kolkata	1500 - 4200
Pune	2000 - 4200
Lucknow	1500 - 4200
Noida	2000 - 4200
Surat	1500 - 4200
Gurugram	2000 - 4200
Patna	1500 - 4200
Chennai	2000 - 4200
Jaipur	1500 - 4200
Ahmedabad	2000 - 4200

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

Overall, The triple marker test is a screening test done during pregnancy to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

• Triple test - Wikipedia [1].
• The triple test as a screening technique for Down syndrome: reliability and relevance [2].