Reasons to Have a Triple Marker Test During Pregnancy

The triple test can provide important information on your pregnancy to your doctor. Here a few ways it helps:

 By conducting this test early on in pregnancy, neural tube defects and other birth defects can be detected.
 This test can help identify if the baby is at the risk of developing Down syndrome.
 The triple test helps identify Trisomy 18 (Edward’s Syndrome) during pregnancy.
 The Trisomy test helps identify whether the woman is expecting two or more babies.
 The test also detects other abnormalities that could help the doctor proceed further with a diagnosis.

When Should You Get the Triple Test?

As mentioned above, the triple test can be conducted between week 15 and week 20 of pregnancy. However, the
most accurate result can be obtained between week 16 and week 18. The results of the test are usually available
within two to four days.

How Should You Prepare for the Triple Marker Screen Test?
There is no preparation required for this test. You won’t have any eating restrictions too before you go for this test.
The side effects of this test are also negligible as it is a non-invasive test carried out by drawing a blood sample. It
has minimal risk for the mother as well as the baby.

How Is the Test Performed?

The triple test procedure is the same as the procedures involved in any other blood test. Here is how your doctor or
technician will perform this test.

 Step 1: First, the technician will ask you to extend your arm and make a fist. This will help him find your vein.
 Step 2: Then the doctor will place a strap around the arm and secure this point firmly.
 Step 3: Next, the technician will clean the area with an antibacterial and antiseptic wipe.
 Step 4: Then a needle will be inserted attached to a vial used for blood storage.
 Step 5: Once the vial is full, the technician will pull out the vial, clean the area with another antiseptic and
antibacterial swab.
 Step 6: The blood sample will then be sent for evaluation to a lab where the biochemist will evaluate the
sample.
 Step 7: The results will then be put in software which will then be sent to the doctor. The doctor will then
share the result with you.
During your subsequent appointment with the doctor, she will discuss the results and provide relevant information
based on the results.

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Note: The test does not have any side effects. Please discuss any concerns you have about the test, results, and action
required based on the results with your primary healthcare physician.

What Triple Screen Test Looks For

The triple screen test is an indicative test that provides the doctors with an insight on what course to take if an
abnormality is detected. This test measures the levels of hCG and determines whether or not the hCG and estriol
levels are normal. This result is then supplemented with the mother’s age, weight, the gestation period of pregnancy
and ethnicity to come to a diagnosis.

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Precautions to Take During the Test

When undergoing this test, it is important that you share relevant information with your doctor. A change in
information can alter the results of the test. Doctors take the required precautions while drawing blood to ensure that
the foetus is not affected by any blood-borne pathogens by using new needles, antiseptic and antibacterial wipes, and
if required putting you on the necessary antibiotics.

Benefits of the Triple Marker Screen Test

A triple marker test can indicate potential complications in pregnancy and the presence of multiple foetuses. Getting
a triple marker screen test done is particularly beneficial for a woman who is above 35 years of age. The major
 benefit of this test is that it helps identify birth defects in the baby and helps a pregnant woman prepare for the same
in advance. Some of these genetic disorders and abnormalities include:

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 Trisomy 18 or Edward’s syndrome which is a chromosome abnormality.

 Down syndrome, a condition in which extra genetic material from chromosome 21 is present in the cell.
 Neural tube defects, which are basically birth defects of the brain, spine, and the spinal cord.

Side Effects and Risks to the Mother and the Baby

There are no known side effects of this test. As the amount of the blood drawn is very little; even the loss of blood is
not significant enough to affect the mother’s health.

Interpretation of the Test Results

The results of the triple marker tests show the likelihood of a baby having a genetic disorder. The results, however,
depend on the following factors:

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 Age of the pregnant woman

 Ethnicity
 Pregnant woman’s weight
 Whether she is expecting a single child or multiple babies
 How far along she is in her pregnancy
Once you undergo this test, your OB/GYN will analyze your triple marker test report and let you know whether the
results are negative or positive. Your doctor may also suggest more tests if the results of this test are false positive
or she does not see a normal value for the triple marker test.

What Does a Negative Screen Mean?

A negative screen result probably means that your foetus is at the low risk of developing birth defects such as neural
tube defects, Down syndrome, and Trisomy 18. However, getting a negative screen does not guarantee a normal birth
or a perfectly healthy baby.

What Should You Do If the Test Results Are Abnormal?

If the test results are abnormal, consult your doctor. She will most likely suggest a few more tests to determine the
exact nature of the abnormality in the foetus. The first of these tests will most likely be an ultrasound where the age
of the foetus will be determined. Along with this, the doctor will also check if the foetus’s brain, spinal cord, kidneys
and heart to detect any problems.
 The low-risk nature of the triple marker test ensures that even if the results are abnormal, the doctors will be able to
either prepare you for the conditions to come or help cure it.

What Are the Reasons That Call for Further Testing?

Getting a triple marker test done can help identify or diagnose possible birth defects and genetic conditions but more
importantly, it can help a parent prepare for them. One of the biggest reasons to get a test done is to help potential
parents prepare for a life with a child who has special needs. This is done by:

 Educating parents about the needs of a specially-abled child.

 Connecting parents to support groups and therapist.
 Raising awareness about a possible condition.
 Giving parents an opportunity to consider all their options including surgery, medication and alternative
therapy.

Alternative Screening Tests

Some parents may opt for alternative screening tests to further understand the diagnosis or get a second opinion.
Getting tests like a prenatal ultrasound done can help parents confirm a diagnosis. Talk to your primary healthcare
physician for a list of alternative tests to help you make the right choice about which test to opt for according to your
needs.

Being prepared is the best way to tackle possible challenges. Knowing whether your baby is healthy or not is the first
step to being prepared for your life ahead together. The triple marker test will help you prepare as well as rule out
possible problems concerning your child’s health and welfare. So schedule for this test and other necessary tests and
have a healthy pregnancy!