Triple Marker-Second Trimester
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Maternal serum screening performed during the second trimester (usually between 15–20 weeks of pregnancy).
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🧪 What is the Triple Marker Test (Second Trimester)?
The Triple Marker Test is a maternal serum screening performed during the second trimester (usually between 15–20 weeks of pregnancy). It measures levels of three substances in the mother's blood to assess the risk of certain fetal abnormalities:
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
- Unconjugated estriol (uE3)
❓ Why is the Test Done?
To:
- Screen for chromosomal abnormalities, primarily Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- Detect risk of neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida, anencephaly)
- Help guide the need for further diagnostic testing (e.g., amniocentesis, detailed ultrasound)
📊 Normal Ranges and Patterns
Marker | Typical Pattern in Normal Pregnancy | Altered Levels in Down Syndrome | Altered Levels in Edwards Syndrome |
|---|---|---|---|
AFP | Normal | Decreased | Decreased |
hCG | Normal | Increased | Decreased |
Unconjugated Estriol (uE3) | Normal | Decreased | Decreased |
📈 Interpretation of Results
Result Pattern | Clinical Implication |
|---|---|
Low AFP + High hCG + Low uE3 | Increased risk for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) |
Low AFP + Low hCG + Low uE3 | Increased risk for Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) |
High AFP | Increased risk for neural tube defects or abdominal wall defects |
Normal marker levels | Low risk of above anomalies |
🧠 Associated Conditions Screened
Condition | Details |
|---|---|
Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) | Genetic disorder causing intellectual disability |
Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) | Severe chromosomal abnormality with multiple anomalies |
Neural tube defects | Defects of the spinal cord and brain development |
🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests
- Detailed fetal ultrasound
- Amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
- Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)
- Genetic counseling
✅ Fasting Required?
Test | Fasting Required |
|---|---|
Triple Marker Test | ❌ No |
📝 Summary Table
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
What | Maternal serum screening measuring AFP, hCG, uE3 |
Why | Screen for chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects |
Normal Pattern | Normal levels of AFP, hCG, and uE3 |
Abnormal Patterns | Low AFP/high hCG/low uE3 (Down syndrome), low levels of all three (Edwards syndrome), high AFP (neural tube defects) |
Associated Conditions | Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, neural tube defects |
Follow-up Tests | Ultrasound, amniocentesis, NIPT, genetic counseling |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
How our test process works!
