Quadruple Test

The Quadruple Test (also known as the Integrated Test) is a screening test used during pregnancy to assess the risk of chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome, in the fetus. The test is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Pre-test preparation: There is no special preparation required for the Quadruple Test.

Testing method: The Quadruple Test involves a blood test and an ultrasound scan. The blood test measures the levels of four substances in the mother’s blood: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), unconjugated estriol (uE3), and inhibin A. The ultrasound scan is used to measure the thickness of a fold of skin on the back of the fetus’s neck, known as the nuchal translucency.

Common symptoms for prescribing this test: The Quadruple Test is usually offered to all pregnant women, regardless of symptoms.

Diagnosis: The results of the Quadruple Test are combined with the mother’s age and the gestational age of the fetus to calculate the risk of chromosomal disorders. If the risk is deemed to be high, further tests, such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis, may be offered to confirm the diagnosis.

Reference range: The reference ranges for the levels of the four substances in the mother’s blood are:
-AFP: 0.5-2.5 MoM (multiple of median)
-hCG: 0.5-2.5 MoM
-uE3: 0.5-2.5 MoM
-inhibin A: 0.5-2.5 MoM

Normal values: A normal result for the Quadruple Test indicates a low risk of chromosomal disorders. However, a normal result does not guarantee that the fetus is free of chromosomal disorders.

Medical disclaimer: The Quadruple Test is a screening test and should not be used as a diagnostic test. The results of the test should be interpreted in conjunction with the mother’s age and the gestational age of the fetus. The test is not 100% accurate and false positive and false negative results can occur. Further testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis.