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Triple Marker with Graph (2nd Trimester)

Also known as Triple Marker Pregnancy Test (Graph)

₹1750~~₹2700~~ 35% Off

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 Triple Marker with Graph (2nd Trimester)

What is Triple Marker with Graph (2nd Trimester)?

Triple Marker with Graph is a maternal screening test which provides useful information about pregnancy. This test is done during 15-20 weeks of pregnancy to assess and screen the fetus for certain birth defects. The test measures the level of three important markers in the blood, Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and Estriol.
The triple marker is a blood test which helps diagnose genetic disorders like Down and Edward syndrome and neural tube defects. It is also useful in identifying ectopic pregnancy, miscarriages, and multiple pregnancies. .
In case of abnormal results, an amniocentesis test may be advised and sometimes a detailed ultrasound is also done to examine the fetal skull and spine.

What is Triple Marker with Graph (2nd Trimester) used for?

To diagnose Down syndrome
To diagnose neural tube defects
To diagnose the failure of closure of the abdomen in the fetus.
To diagnose multiple pregnancies
To diagnose miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy

What does Triple Marker with Graph (2nd Trimester) measure?

This test measures three markers which include AFP, HCG, and estriol in the blood. As there are three markers involved, it is known as the Triple 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 there can be 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.

If the levels of all these three markers are abnormal, there can be a 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).

This test is done between 15-20 weeks of pregnancy. 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.

Interpreting Triple Marker with Graph (2nd Trimester) results

Interpretations

Pregnancy Weeks	AFP	HCG	Estriol

15	32.01 ng/mL	32200 mIU/mL	0.55 ng/mL
16	37.67 ng/mL	25690 mIU/mL	0.76 ng/mL
17	44.33 ng/mL	20490 mIU/mL	1.00 ng/mL
18	52.16 ng/mL	16340 mIU/mL	1.25 ng/mL
19	61.38 ng/mL	13040 mIU/mL	1.50 ng/mL
20	72.33 ng/mL	10400 mIU/mL	1.76 ng/mL

Abnormality	Cut off	Detection rate	False positive rate
Neural tube defects	≥ 2.5 MoM (Multiples of median)	70-75 %	2-4 %
Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)	1: 250	65 %	5 %
Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)	1:100	60 %	0.3 %

The base of screening tests is a statistical analysis of patient’s data which includes the demographic (statistical study of populations) and biochemical (laboratory) data.

Confirmation is mandatory by amniocentesis.

The results are illustrated in the form of a graph in the test report.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Triple Marker with Graph (2nd Trimester)

Frequently Asked Questions about Triple Marker with Graph (2nd Trimester)

Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?

Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

Q. Can the defects in fetus be caused because of the age of pregnant women?

Yes, a pregnant woman who is 35 years or older has a greater risk of developing defects in the fetus. Apart from that, other factors such as exposure of the woman to high levels of radiation, diabetes or if the woman is taking insulin can affect the development of the fetus. Viral infection at the time of pregnancy can also be a risk factor in the development of the fetus.

Q. Is Triple marker with graph test only advised for women of age 35 years or more?

No, this test not only for women of age 35 years or more. Every pregnant woman is advised to take this test, as it is very important for detecting any abnormality in the fetus before birth. This test is done in between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Q. What other tests are required for diagnosis of abnormalities in fetus?

In case the results are abnormal, the doctor may advise amniocentesis in which a thin, hollow needle is used to withdraw amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the fetus) from the uterus. This test is useful to detect any genetic or fetal conditions present in the fetus. If the levels of AFP are high, the doctor will advise ultrasound for a detailed examination of neural tube defects.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. What is Down's syndrome?

It is a genetic disorder in which extra genetic material from chromosome 21 gets transferred to the fetus. This transfer affects the development of the fetus leading to abnormal development both physically and mentally. The affected baby will have a small head and short neck, obliquely positioned eyes looking in an upward direction, large tongue coming out of the mouth, flat face, wide hands with short fingers, and lack of muscle tone.

Q. What is Trisomy 18?

It is also known as Edwards Syndrome which is caused by the development of an extra chromosome 18. Because of this, the normal pattern of development in the baby gets disturbed even before its birth. The effects caused by Trisomy 18 are very complicated as compared to Down syndrome. The effects are so severe that it can cause stillbirth (death at the time of birth) of the child.

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