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Triple Screen or Quad Screen


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]

At a Glance

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

Test Preparation Needed?

None