The Quadruple Marker Test is a blood test that provides valuable pregnancy information. It can help determine a baby's chances of developing Edward's syndrome (trisomy 18), Down syndrome, or neural tube defects. The test estimates the risk of a serious problem but does not provide a diagnosis of the problem. The Quadruple Marker Test shows whether a woman is more likely or less likely to have a baby with a birth defect.

The blood test is recommended for pregnant women over 35 to rule out the possibility of chromosomal abnormalities. The gynaecologist may order a quad screen blood test for pregnant women with a family history of birth defects, birth abnormalities in previous pregnancies or certain pre-existing medical conditions.

Overview of the Quadruple Marker Test

A Quadruple Marker Test, also known as a quad screen test, is a blood test performed during the second trimester (15-20 weeks) of pregnancy to detect chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects in the unborn baby. The Quadruple Marker Test is used to measure the levels of various substances in women's blood. Those substances are mentioned below:

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a placental hormone.
• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is released by the growing baby.
• Inhibin A, a hormone secreted by the placenta.
• Unconjugated Estriol (UE), a hormone secreted by the liver and placenta of the baby.

The Quadruple Marker Test is safe for the baby and helps in the identification of any chromosomal, genetic defects, or growing abnormalities in the unborn baby, including Down syndrome, spinal cord defects, brain defects, or other neurological issues.

The Quadruple Marker Test is a blood test that provides valuable pregnancy information. It can help in determining a baby's chances of developing Edward's syndrome (trisomy 18), Down syndrome, or neural tube defects.  

Many women are anxious about the week of pregnancy in which the Quadruple Marker Test is planned. Generally, the gynaecologist orders the Quadruple Marker Test between the 15th and 20th weeks to keep an eye on the overall development of the foetus. It is important to know that the Quad Marker Test is optional. However, gynaecologists suggest this test to every pregnant woman. Max Lab conducts Quadruple Marker Tests at affordable prices. One can check our website’s “Quadruple Marker Test price near me” feature to book a slot for home sample collection.

Why Doctors Recommend the Quadruple Marker Test

One's doctor may recommend a Quadruple Marker Test between 15 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. The test is only performed during this time period; however, it is most effective between 16 and 18 weeks. It is advised that all pregnant women undergo a Quadruple Marker Test; however, the decision to get the test is entirely up to an individual. But, if a pregnant woman has any of the risk factors listed below, she should strongly consider having the test:

• The woman is above 35 when the baby is due.
• There is a history of birth problems in a woman’s family.
• She previously had a child with a birth abnormality.
• Before her pregnancy, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
• If the woman has any doubts regarding the test, she should consult her doctor.

The gynaecologist prescribes many routine pregnancy tests, and the quad marker test is one of them. The diagnostic tool is widely used for pregnancies with a high risk of chromosomal abnormality in the unborn child. The Quadruple Marker Test is a highly effective test for detecting the risk of birth defects and other medical conditions.

If the test report is normal, it means a low risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn child. An abnormal test report may indicate a high risk of chromosomal abnormalities. The blood test is also useful for the detection of multiple foetuses. While the test results are reliable, there may be some false alarms in rare cases. Numerous pregnancies, diabetes, smoking, in vitro fertilisation, and incorrect timing of the Quadruple Marker Test may affect the test results.

Preparations Before the Quadruple Marker Test

No special preparations, like fasting, are required for the Quad Marker Pregnancy Test. However, the pregnant woman should follow the gynaecologist's instructions. Also, one should carry their previous test reports when visiting the gynaecologist so that they have complete access to the case history.

Max Lab offers the Quadruple Marker Test at a reasonable cost. One can check the Quadruple Marker Test price on our website and book the test online by uploading the doctor’s prescription. We provide reliable test reports preferred by doctors and individuals alike. One can download the e-report online and carry it for proper interpretation. The report generation time is usually 3 days. However, the report time may vary.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The Quadruple Screen Test in pregnancy is a routine test with a simple procedure with no side effects. One can book the Quadruple Marker Test at a reasonable price at the nearest Max Lab centre or on our official website. Max Lab offers a home sample collection facility. A trained phlebotomist visits the individual’s place at the designated time for sample collection. They take the blood sample from the vein and store it in a sterile container. They put a bandage on the puncture site. The entire process takes less than 10 minutes. The blood sample is sent for testing at Max Hospital.

Understanding the Test Results

Normal Quadruple Test Results

A normal report of the Quadruple Marker Test indicates the foetus is not at high risk for any congenital disorder. In this case, the healthcare provider does not suggest additional tests. However, it is crucial to note that the Quadruple Marker Test results are indicative and not certain. A normal value of the Quadruple Test may indicate a low risk of developing a congenital disorder, but it does not eliminate it altogether.

Positive Quadruple Test Results

A positive Quadruple Marker Test result means the foetus is at high risk of developing a congenital disorder. However, it does not give a confirmation. Usually, if the quad screen test results are positive, the gynaecologist prescribes further testing. These tests identify any abnormalities in foetal development. Ultrasound and amniocentesis are other tests ordered by the doctor.

For accurate Quadruple Test interpretation, one must take the test report to a practising gynaecologist. One can ask the gynaecologist anything related to test results for better understanding. They explain the risks and benefits of further testing for a healthy pregnancy journey. Awareness about the health of an unborn child enables expecting parents to prepare for childbirth and give the newborn a good life. Also, expecting parents should not worry if the Quad Marker Test report, among other reports, indicates certain congenital disorders. These children can lead a healthy and happy life with the right guidance, which is a responsibility of every parent.

Factors That May Affect Quadruple Marker Test Accuracy

Certain factors may affect the accuracy of the Quad Marker Test report: -

• The time period of the Quadruple Marker Test is key. Inaccurate calculation of the week of pregnancy can significantly affect the Quadruple Marker Blood Test. It is typically done between 15-20 weeks of pregnancy. Quadruple Marker Test results show the risk of birth disorders in the foetus only when the pregnancy time period is accurate.
   
• In vitro fertilisation may affect the accuracy of the quad screen test. It may give a false positive report. The doctor suggests further testing in case of a positive Quad Marker Test.
   
• If a pregnant woman is diabetic, it may affect the test report’s accuracy. The test report may be false-positive in this case.
   
• Smoking during pregnancy may affect specific markers of the Quadruple Screen Test.

Why is undergoing the Quadruple Test Essential During Pregnancy? 

The Quadruple Test in pregnancy checks four important pregnancy hormones in blood, including Alpha-fetoprotein, unconjugated estriol, human chorionic gonadotropin, and inhibin-A. Hormonal changes at different stages of pregnancy are normal. It is a routine prenatal screening test, which checks the foetus for any genetic defects. The Quad Screen Test identifies developmental issues and detects the possibility of certain medical conditions, such as Down syndrome, neurological problems, or Edward's syndrome.

If a pregnant woman is in the high-risk category, it is essential to get the Quadruple Screen Test. It gives peace of mind and keeps one well-informed.