Reason for the triple marker test

This test leads to disclosing risk factors for the fetus. It is used to detect neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly, and other congenital disabilities. It helps to see if the fetus has any risk of Down’s syndromes or not. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder resulting from abnormal cell division, thus producing an extra copy of chromosome 21 in each cell.

Whether there is any risk of trisomy 18 [also known as Edward’s syndrome is a disorder in which each cell contain three pairs of chromosome 18 instead of 2 pairs], or if the pregnant mother is expecting more than two babies, can also be detected with the help of triple marker test. Moreover, this test reveals all the abnormalities present in the baby.

How is the test performed?

The triple marker pregnancy test process is as similar and comfortable as other blood test procedure. The steps are:

Step 1: Like all other tests, the technician will first ask you to extend your arm and make a fist to help him find the vein.

Step 2: Secondly, a strap will be placed around the arm and will secure this point firmly.

Step 3: Nextly, the technician will clean the area with an antibacterial and antiseptic wipe so that there is no chance of pathogens entering your body.

Step 4: Then, a pre-sterilized needle and a new one will be inserted, attached to a vial used for blood storage.

Step 5: Once the vial is full, the technician will pull out the vial and clean the area with another antiseptic and antibacterial swab.

Step 6: For evaluation, the collected blood sample will be sent to a lab. The biochemist in the lab will be evaluating the selection.

Step 7: The results will be put in software that will be further sent to the doctor. After that, the reports will be shared by the doctor with the pregnant couple.

There is no such side effects revealed till now for this test. Since the amount of blood withdrawn is meager, there is no chance of significant blood loss from the body. Thus, it ensures safety for both mother and baby.

Alternative screening test

Couples may sometimes go for an alternative screening test. This is a second opinion regarding this case for a better understanding of the diagnosis. Getting tests like a prenatal ultrasound can help. It is always best to talk with a primary healthcare physician for a list of alternative tests to help you make the right choice about which test to opt for. You can also choose more than one advisor.

Precautions to take during the test

It is very much essential to disclose all your informative information to the doctor while undergoing the test. Misguidance may lead to alteration in the results of the test. Doctors should always be careful about drawing blood to ensure that fetus is not affected by any blood-borne pathogens.

Thus it is recommended to use new needles, antiseptic and antibacterial wipes. There is no such hard and fast rules for mother, but doctors should follow it if prescribed by doctors.

Benefits of triple marker screening  test

A triple marker pregnancy test is highly beneficial for women who are above the age of 35. Since at this age lower count of eggs are present in the ovary. One may have much complexity during her pregnancy. Although by this test, one can discover the congenital disabilities in a baby, thus helping both the parents prepare for the same in advance.

Some genetic disorders or defects include the following:

• Trisomy 18 or Edward’s syndrome is a common type of chromosome abnormality.
• Down syndrome is a condition in which extra genetic material from chromosome 21 is included in the cell.
• Neural tube defects, as discussed earlier are congenital disabilities of the total nervous system, i.e., brain, spine, and spinal cord.

Who benefits from the triple marker test?

Doctors mostly recommend the test to women who are above the age of 35 or above. Couples who have a history of congenital disabilities can also get benefitted from this test. Women who use insulin and are diabetic patients can be satisfied with these test results. It helps to determine whether the baby is affected or not.

Triple marker test is also helpful to those who have been highly exposed to radiation.  Women having severe viral infection during pregnancy can also opt for this test but definitely with a doctor’s consultation.

Interpretation of the test result

This test reveals the genetic disorders and other abnormalities in the fetus. The results, however, depends on some factors, which are as follows:

• Age of pregnant women

Women are born with fixed numbers of eggs. During each menstrual cycle, they keep losing each of them; thus, they decrease as they get older. Eggs present in older women may have abnormal chromosomes that can lead to genetic disorders.

• Ethnicity

Certain groups of people have a higher birth rate than others. There are many factors responsible for such variations all across the world, such as:

1. This could be due to determinant of egg and sperm quality.
2. Variation in environmental exposures relating to lifestyle.
3. Dietary factors.
4. Socio-economic and cultural factors.
5. Accessibility of fertility treatment.
6. Behavior towards seeking medical care and consequently, reproductive outcomes.

• Body Weight of the woman

Excessive body weight is harmful to both the mother and the fetus, whether expecting one or more children. Complications arrive when it comes to multiple pregnancies. At this point, one needs to be much more conscious.

Preparation of triple marker screening

There is no such preparation needed for a conceiving mother during a triple marker pregnancy test. There are also no such restrictions on consuming foods. But during pregnancy, one must follow a healthy diet, which is very much necessary for both mother and baby. However, one must always consult an experienced and reliable doctor for the best advice.

Results of a triple marker test

After analyzing the test report, one will know whether the report’s outcome is positive or negative. Negative screen results indicate that the fetus is very low or not at risk of developing any congenital disabilities. Sometimes it may also happen that doctors may prescribe for many other tests if he/she is not satisfied with the values.