Why should I take the test?💡

The triple screen test is a blood test that measures the level of three important substances in the placenta. 

• Alpha - fetoprotein (AFP), a protein made by the baby

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone created by the placenta

• Estriol, a form of estrogen produced by the placenta and the baby

The results of the blood test estimate the baby's chances of having genetic disorders. The screen helps parents prepare and assess options on pregnancy management and special care that the child might need. The screen also alerts doctors to watch the fetus more closely for signs of complications and take actions immediately if necessary.

How is the test done?💉

Triple screen is most accurate if done between the 16th and 18th weeks of pregnancy. There are no eating or drinking requirements beforehand. 

The test is administered in a hospital, clinic, doctor's office or lab. The doctor cleans the patch of your skin where the needle is inserted with aseptic. A rubber band or a tightening band is applied onto your arm to make the blood vein more accessible. Then, the needle is inserted to draw blood, and the doctor removes it when the vial is full. The site of injection is cleaned with a cotton swab and a cute bandage is applied on the wound. 

TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:

Who should have the triple screen?

Moms who are over 35 years old, have a family history of birth defects or genetic disorders will greatly benefit from this test. If you have diabetes and use insulin, you should also consider having the triple screen.

Exposure to high levels of radiation or viral infection during pregnancy can danger the baby. Triple screen only shows a probability that your child might have birth defects and indicates additional testing; however, it is not definitive and infallible. 

Risks of the procedure

Because the triple screen requires only a blood sample, it's completely safe. The one risk is that you may get a false - positive or a false - negative result due to the level of accuracy of the test. 

Results of the test

After measuring high and low levels of AFP and abnormal levels of hCG and estriol, the results are combined with the mother's age, weight, ethnicity, and gestational age to assess possibilities of any birth defects.

High levels of AFP suggest the development of neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly. Low levels of AFP and abnormal levels of hCG and estriol may indicate that the baby carries trisomy 21, trisomy 18 or another chromosomal abnormality. 

Although the test is primarily conducted to screen for genetic disorders, the results of the triple screen can also detect a multiple pregnancy or pregnancy that is more or less advanced than thought.