What is a Triple Marker Test

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the Triple Marker Test test used for?

Triple marker test is used for detecting the possible chances that a baby might develop certain birth defects such as Spina bifida, Down syndrome, and other genetic disorders. It basically measures the quantity of three substances, namely:  

• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): high level of this protein shows the chances of birth defects
• Estriol (uE3).
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). 

2. Understanding test results of the Triple Marker test?

The Triple Marker Test involves three markers, and hence, the name. These test results indicate possible complications in pregnancy, such as the probability of birth or chromosomal or genetic defects in the foetus or indicate the presence of multiple foetuses. A positive result confirms the above defects, and if the results are negative, the baby is normal.

3. Why do I need the Triple Marker test?

Triple Marker Test is needed if you have a

• Family history of genetic disorders
• Age 35 and above
•  If you are a diabetic 
• And if you are pregnant regardless of their age

Getting this test done is essential as it indicates potential complications that the child might develop. If tests are positive, more specific tests like amniocentesis are done to confirm it. This test helps the parents to know the likelihood that the child might have or not have genetic disorders.

4. What happens during the Triple Marker test?

The Triple Marker Test is a simple blood test. Normally, health care professionals draw blood from the veins in the arm after sterilizing the area. They transfer the sample collected into labelled vials and take them to diagnostic labs for biochemical analysis to analyse for the three levels of

or the amount of

• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) 
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) ,
•  Estriol (uE3) ,
•  Hormone inhibin A  

5. What is the normal range of hCG in the Triple Marker test?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by trophoblast cells which surround the growing embryo. The level of HcG is one of the other three hormones measured in the Triple marker test. Higher levels indicate multiple pregnancies. The normal level of hCG in the Triple Marker test is 9,000-210,000 U/L.

6. How do I know if the Triple marker is normal?

After screening, if the levels of three markers AFP, estriol, and hCG are in the normal range, it indicates that the baby is not suffering from neural tube defect, Down syndrome, or Trisomy 18. But the triple marker test does not rule out the occurrence of other genetic disorders. However, it does give a genetic profile of the growing foetus to some extent.

7. How accurate is the triple marker test?

Triple marker test is accurate by 70-80 percent in detecting a risk of Down syndrome and a few neural tube defects.  The triple screen test assesses the serum level of estriol, AFP and beta -hCG at a 70% sensitivity and chances of false-positive test rate at 5%.

8. What is the low risk in the Triple Marker test?

Low levels may show underlying problems in pregnancy. The possibility of risk of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is more when the levels are low. High levels indicate molar pregnancy or multiple pregnancies with two or more babies.

9. What is the most common cause of an abnormal triple screen test?

The most common cause of abnormal triple screen tests is wrong pregnancy dates with respect to the last menstrual period date. The baby is much older than what the mother had given. All the birth defects cannot be detected by this triple screen test.

10. Why do doctors suggest a triple marker test?

Doctors suggest a triple marker test to examine the likelihood of genetic/birth and chromosomal defects in developing foetuses. This test helps in screening for genetic diseases such as Trisomy 18, Down syndrome, and possible neural defects. If detected early, doctors can take necessary precautions or other medical interventions.

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