TripleMarkerTest—PrenatalScreening
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu
MBBS · MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine · 20+ years of clinical experience
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WhatisaTripleMarkerTest?
The Triple Marker Test is a prenatal blood screening test performed during pregnancy to estimate the likelihood of certain genetic, chromosomal and birth defects in the developing baby.
It is a screening test and not a diagnostic test. The result indicates whether there may be an increased chance of a particular condition, after considering factors such as the mother's age, weight, ethnicity, medical history and whether the pregnancy involves one or more babies.
Common timing
15–18 weeks
WhatdoestheTripleMarkerTestmeasure?
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
A protein produced by the developing baby that can provide information about certain fetal and neural tube abnormalities.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG)
A pregnancy hormone produced by the placenta and measured as part of the screening assessment.
Unconjugated estriol
An estrogen hormone produced by the placenta and the developing baby.
Whomaybeadvisedtohavethetest?
A family history of genetic or chromosomal problems.
Pregnant women who are 35 years of age or older.
Use of prenatal medications or drugs that may have potential effects on pregnancy.
Diabetes requiring insulin treatment.
A viral infection during pregnancy.
Significant exposure to radiation.
WhenistheTripleMarkerTestperformed?
The Triple Marker Test is performed during the second trimester of pregnancy.
It is commonly used between 15 and 18 weeks of pregnancy for screening for Down syndrome.
The timing of the pregnancy is an important factor when interpreting the test results.
WhyhaveaTripleMarkerTest?
Helps assess the chance of Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome).
Can provide information that may indicate a multiple pregnancy.
May identify findings that require further evaluation or diagnostic testing.
Can help screen for neural tube defects and certain other birth defects.
Helps assess the risk of Down syndrome.
HowistheTripleMarkerTestperformed?
The technician asks you to extend your arm and make a fist to help identify a suitable vein.
A strap is placed around the arm to help make the vein easier to access.
The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic and antibacterial wipe.
A needle is inserted into the vein and the required blood sample is collected into a vial.
After the sample is collected, the needle is removed and the area is cleaned again.
The blood sample is sent to a laboratory for evaluation.
The laboratory results are processed and provided to your doctor for interpretation.
HowareTripleMarkerTestresultsinterpreted?
The result estimates the likelihood of certain genetic or chromosomal conditions. It does not confirm that the baby has a condition.
Lower-risk / Negative
A lower-risk result means the screening has not identified an increased likelihood of the conditions included in the assessment.
Higher-risk / Positive
A higher-risk result does not confirm that the baby has a genetic or chromosomal condition. Your doctor may recommend additional screening or diagnostic tests for further evaluation.
Whatfactorsaffecttheresult?
WhatcantheTripleMarkerTestdetect?
A screening test, not a diagnosis
A higher-risk Triple Marker Test result does not mean that your baby definitely has a genetic or chromosomal condition. Your obstetrician may recommend additional testing to understand the result more accurately.