Quad Marker test With Graph near me in Chennai

Also known as Suggested name: Quad Marker Test

This test is for

Female

Test Preparation

Provide maternal Date of birth (dd/mm/yy); Last date of your menstrual cycle, Ultrasound; Number of Fetuses (Single/Twins); Diabetic status and Body Weight in Kg, IVF, Smoking & Previous history of Trisomy 21 pregnancy at the time of sample collection. It is mandatory to fill a Maternal Serum Screen requisition form at the time of sample collection.
No special preparation required
Valid between 14-22 weeks gestation (Ideal 15-20 weeks).

Understanding Quad Marker test With Graph in Chennai

What is Quad Marker test With Graph in Chennai?

Quad Marker test with graph is a blood test that measures the levels of four important substances in the placenta namely alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, estriol, and inhibin A. It helps diagnose genetic disorders and neural tube defects along with ectopic pregnancy and miscarriages. This test is done between 15 and 21 weeks of pregnancy.
The quad marker is used as a screening test only and any abnormal result does not mean that the fetus has a birth defect or genetic condition.
Females above 35 years of age and who have a family history of birth defects have a higher risk of getting abnormal values of these markers. They are typically offered further testing, this includes repeating the quad marker with a high-definition ultrasound.

What does Quad Marker test With Graph measure?

This test measures four markers which include AFP, HCG, estriol, and inhibin A in the blood. As there are four markers involved, it is known as the Quad Marker test.

AFP is a protein which is produced by the fetus. If the levels of AFP are high, it indicates neural tube defects in the fetus or any case of incomplete closure of the fetus abdomen.

HCG hormone is produced by cells of the placenta. If the levels of HCG are low, it indicates a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Whereas, if the levels of HCG are high this indicates multiple pregnancies.

Estriol is a form of the hormone estrogen which is present in both fetus and placenta. If the levels of estriol are low, it indicates the risk of the baby getting delivered with Down syndrome, especially when the levels of AFP are low and HCG are high.

Inhibin A is a hormone which is produced by the placenta. It is a dimer which means it has two parts. It is also sometimes referred to as DIA or dimeric inhibin A. In the 14 to 17 weeks of gestation (pregnancy), the levels of inhibin A in maternal blood slightly decrease and then rise again. Increased levels of Inhibin A indicates fetus with Down syndrome. Inhibin A enhances the sensitivity as well as the specificity in order to correctly identify cases of Down syndrome.

If the levels of all these four markers are abnormal, there can be the presence of neural tube defects like spina bifida (spinal cord fails to develop properly), anencephaly (absence of brain, skull, and scalp), and multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets).

Females who are 35 years or more, have a family history of birth defects, or have diabetes or are using insulin have a higher risk of getting abnormal values of these markers. Exposure to high levels of radiation or having the viral infection during pregnancy can also be considered as possible risk factors associated with these high levels. This test is also helpful to indicate any complications in the fetus after birth.