What is the Triple Screen Test? It’s a prenatal blood test that allows you and your doctor to understand more about your baby’s development.Its goal is to check for neural tube abnormalities, Down syndrome, and Trisomy 18 in a newborn child.
What Is The Triple Screen Test For? What Exactly Does It Measure?
3 substances in your blood are examined by a triple test: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and estriol.
The chemical AFP is created by the baby and enters the mother’s circulation through the amniotic fluid (the bag of water surrounding the baby). A little amount of AFP is found in both the amniotic fluid and the mother’s blood. When the amount is high, it alerts your doctor to investigate a neural tube problem’s potential further.
Estriol and hCG are hormones produced by the developing baby and the placenta that can be detected in the mother’s blood. A woman carrying a Down syndrome baby may have lower AFP and estriol levels in her blood and greater hCG levels than women bearing unaffected babies. Blood levels of AFP, estriol, and hCG may be lower in mothers carrying Trisomy 18 kids than those with natural babies. The Down syndrome and Trisomy 18 risks are computed using your AFP, estriol, and hCG levels, as well as information about the mother (age, gestational age, weight, race, and diabetes status).
It’s critical to keep in mind that this is only a screening test, and it won’t tell you whether or not the kid has an issue.
Why Should Someone Think About Undergoing A Triple Test?
For many years, pregnant women have had access to the Triple Test, which can provide you and your doctor with vital information about your pregnancy. When used with diagnostic methods such as ultrasonography and amniocentesis, MSAFP (Maternal serum AFP) can detect up to 85% of open neural tube abnormalities. Sixty to seventy percent of Down syndrome pregnancies and many Trisomy 18 pregnancies may be detected with the Abnormal Triple Test, followed by ultrasound and amniocentesis. In addition to giving information about probable neural tube defects, Down syndrome, and Trisomy 18, the Triple Test may assist to detect twins, uncover specific additional abnormalities that may be present, and warn your physician to heightened risks for other pregnancy difficulties.
A conventional triple test is only a screening tool, not a guarantee of your baby’s wellbeing. The test cannot identify every pregnancy with a neural tube defect, Down syndrome, or Trisomy 18 due to its limitations.
As a result, even if the Triple Test results are typical, some women may still produce a baby with a neural tube abnormality, Down syndrome, or Trisomy 18.
Who Should Be Subjected To The Triple Test?
Triple test screening may be administered to all pregnant women, regardless of maternal age or family history. In the vast majority of situations, the Triple Test confirms that the baby is developing typically. It would be best if you comprehended the Triple Test’s advantages and drawbacks.
When Should You Get A Triple Test?
Between 15 and 21.9 weeks following the start of your last menstrual cycle, you may do the Triple Test. The greatest detection rate for open brain abnormalities occurs between 16 and 18 weeks. Within 48 to 96 hours, your physician will receive the test findings along with a detailed explanation.
What Does It Indicate To Have A Neural Tube Defect?
The neural tube is a component of the growing spine and brain of an unborn infant. A disruption in the neural tube formation occurs in about one out of every 500 developing newborns, resulting in spina bifida or anencephaly. The term “spina bifida” refers to an open spine. Surgery is necessary to fix the gap in a child’s spine when they are born with it open. They may also have various medical issues, such as bowel and bladder control, walking difficulties, and learning difficulties. Depending on the size and position of the aperture, the degree of handicap varies from one child to the next. Anencephaly, a more severe condition characterized by the lousy brain and skull development, generally dies before or shortly after delivery.
What precisely is Down syndrome?
An extra chromosome, a genetic component that regulates physical and mental characteristics, causes Down syndrome. Mental impairment, heart disorders, and other health issues are all possible in children with Down syndrome.
What Is The Meaning Of Trisomy 18?
Another condition induced by an extra chromosome is trisomy 18. Trisomy 18 causes mental impairment, heart issues, and other health problems in children, but they are more seriously afflicted and die in infancy. Down syndrome is far more common than trisomy 18.
What If The Triple Screen Test Indicates That It Is Positive For Down Syndrome Or Trisomy 18?
Pregnancies with Down syndrome may have low MSAFP and estriol levels paired with high hCG levels. Low levels of MSAFP, estriol, and hCG are standard in trisomy 18 pregnancies. These erroneous Triple Test results could potentially result from a pregnancy that isn’t as far along as previously thought. Some doctors may recommend an ultrasound to confirm the baby’s age or amniocentesis to analyze the baby’s chromosomes after an aberrant result.
What Exactly Does A “Negative Screen” Imply?
A negative test results in a low likelihood of your kid having a neural tube defect, Down syndrome, or Trisomy 18. There is no need for additional testing. On the other hand, a negative screen does not guarantee that your child will be free of birth defects.
What is the triple screen test exactly all about? A triple screen test reveals the existence of numerous babies as well as the likelihood of pregnancy complications. This aids parents in preparing for the birth of their child. A triple screen test can help doctors determine if the baby is at risk for specific birth abnormalities. If all of the tests come back standard, parents can be assured that their child will not have a genetic condition.