Triple Test

The Triple Test, also known as the Second Trimester Screen, is a blood test that is usually performed during the second trimester of pregnancy (between 15-20 weeks) to assess the risk of certain chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome and Trisomy 18.

Pre-test preparation for a Triple Test typically does not require any special preparation. The test is performed on a blood sample taken from the mother.

The testing method for Triple Test typically involves measuring three substances in the mother’s blood: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and unconjugated estriol (uE3). These substances are analyzed along with the mother’s age and other factors to calculate the risk of certain chromosomal disorders.

Common symptoms that may prompt a healthcare provider to prescribe a Triple Test include advanced maternal age or a previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal disorder. Other symptoms may include abnormal findings from a first trimester screening test or an ultrasound.

A high-risk result from a Triple Test may indicate an increased risk of chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome or Trisomy 18, but it does not provide a definitive diagnosis. Additional testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

The reference range for the Triple Test is based on the calculation of the risk of chromosomal disorders. It is considered high risk if the result is above a certain threshold. However, it’s important to note that this threshold can vary based on the lab and the specific test used.

A normal value for the Triple Test is considered to be within the low-risk range. However, it’s important to note that a low-risk result does not guarantee the absence of chromosomal disorder and other tests such as amniocentesis or CVS may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
It’s also important to consult with a healthcare professional to interpret test results and to understand how they may be affected by individual factors such as maternal age, medical history and other lab test results.