Quadruple Marker - Second Trimester
Report in 24Hrs
At Home
Details
Performed between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy (commonly at 16–18 weeks) to assess the risk of certain fetal abnormalities
₹2499₹3025
17% OFF
1000+ Booked this Test
🧪 What is the Quadruple Marker Test?
The Quadruple Marker Test is a second trimester maternal serum screening performed between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy (commonly at 16–18 weeks) to assess the risk of certain fetal abnormalities.
It measures four specific substances in the mother’s blood:
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – total or free β-hCG
- Unconjugated estriol (uE3)
- Inhibin A
❓ Why is the Test Done?
To screen for:
- Neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly
- Chromosomal abnormalities, mainly:
- Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- Evaluate risk of other pregnancy complications
📊 Normal Range & Interpretation
Marker | Normal Range (MoM) | Interpretation When Abnormal |
|---|---|---|
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) | ~1.0 MoM | ↑ High: Neural tube defects, abdominal wall defects |
↓ Low: Trisomy 21 or 18 | ||
Total or free β-hCG | ~1.0 MoM | ↑ High: Trisomy 21 |
↓ Low: Trisomy 18 | ||
Unconjugated estriol (uE3) | ~1.0 MoM | ↓ Low: Trisomy 21 and 18 |
Inhibin A | ~1.0 MoM | ↑ High: Trisomy 21 |
MoM (Multiples of the Median) normalizes values for gestational age, maternal weight, ethnicity, and other factors.
📈 Interpretation of Results
Pattern | Possible Risk |
|---|---|
↓ AFP, ↑ β-hCG, ↓ uE3, ↑ Inhibin A | Increased risk of Down syndrome |
↓ AFP, ↓ β-hCG, ↓ uE3, normal inhibin A | Increased risk of Edwards syndrome |
↑ AFP | Risk of neural tube defects or abdominal wall defects |
🧠 Associated Conditions
Condition | Details |
|---|---|
Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) | Spina bifida, anencephaly |
Chromosomal abnormalities | Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) |
Other pregnancy complications | Placental insufficiency, fetal demise |
🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests
- First Trimester Screening (PAPP-A and Free β-hCG with NT scan)
- Ultrasound Anomaly Scan (18–20 weeks)
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
- Amniocentesis or Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) – diagnostic tests if screening is positive
✅ Fasting Required?
Test | Fasting Required |
|---|---|
Quadruple Marker | ❌ No |
📝 Summary Table
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
What | Second trimester blood test measuring AFP, β-hCG, uE3, inhibin A |
Why | Screen for neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities |
Normal Range | Values around 1.0 MoM adjusted for various factors |
Abnormal Patterns | Indicative of Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, or NTDs |
Associated Conditions | Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18, neural tube defects |
Follow-up Tests | Ultrasound, NIPT, amniocentesis, CVS |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
How our test process works!
