Triple Test: A Prenatal Screening for Chromosomal Abnormalities and Birth defects

Dr. Deepak Goenka, M.D
Director, Institute of Human Reproduction
IVF Specialist

Pregnancy is an exciting time for expectant parents, but it is also a time of uncertainty and anxiety. To ease this uncertainty, many expectant mothers choose to undergo prenatal screening tests to check for any abnormalities in the fetus. One such test is the Triple Test. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the Triple Test and what it entails.

What is the Triple Test? When is it done?

The Triple Test is a prenatal screening test that is typically performed between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. The test is used to screen for certain chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects in the fetus. The Triple Test involves measuring three substances in the mother’s blood: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and estriol (µE3).

Why is the Triple Test performed? Triple Test as a screening technique for Down Syndrome.

A positive Triple Test result means that the levels of one or more of these substances are higher or lower than normal, which can be a sign of a chromosomal abnormality or birth defect. It is important to note that a positive Triple Test does not diagnose a specific condition, but rather indicates the need for further testing to confirm a diagnosis.

What happens after a positive Triple Test result?

If you receive a positive Triple Test result, your healthcare provider will likely recommend further testing, such as an amniocentesis. The procedure involves taking a sample of the amniotic fluid to test for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders. It is important to understand that the test is not without risks, and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before deciding to have them.

False-Positive and False-Negative Results

It is also important to note that the Triple Test is not a diagnostic test and can produce false-positive or false-negative results. A false-positive result means that the test indicates the presence of a problem when there is none, while a false-negative result means that the test indicates there is no problem when there is one. This is why further testing is typically recommended if the Triple Test result is positive.

Replacement of the Triple Test

Today, the Triple Test is largely replaced with more sensitive tests like the Combined Test (Double Marker) or Quadruple Test. These tests offer more accurate results and have replaced the Triple Test as the standard prenatal screening test.

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