Also known as: Triple test, AFP Maternal, msAFP, Quad Screen, 4-marker screen Formal name: Triple Screen – with AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and uE3 (unconjugated estriol); Quadruple Screen – with the addition of inhibin A Related tests:hCG, Estrogen, First Trimester Down Syndrome Screen
Why get tested? To assess the risk of carrying a fetus with abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18 (Edward's syndrome), and open neural tube defects during the second trimester of pregnancy
When to get tested? Women in the 15th to 20th week of pregnancy
Sample required? A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm
This article was last reviewed on March 12, 2007.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
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