The quadruple screening is a test of pregnant women which is done between 14-20 weeks of pregnancy to check the health status of the baby. The test involves collection of blood samples to check the levels of four substances namely; Alpha fetoprotein (protein) , Human chorionic gonadotropin, Unconjugated Estriol and Inhibin A , these three are hormones produced in the placenta.
Other Names for the Quadruple Screening Test
The test is also known by several other names, like Quadruple Marker test, quad screen, Maternal serum screen, AFP Plus, AFP maternal, MSAFP, and A 4-marker screen.
What do the quadruple screening tests examine?
The tests assess whether the growing child is in good health or not. Abnormalities or abnormal range of substances found during this test can cause Down syndrome, Trisomy 18, Spina bifida, Abdominal wall defects in the child, and the child may not be healthy.
Let’s look at these defects one by one:
- Down syndrome: It is also referred to as Trisomy 21 , a disorder that hampers the intellectual ability and developmental in a child. Its symptoms include a short, stocky body, a short neck, flat facial features, small body organs like ears, hands , feet as well as delay in speech and language development and also concentration issues in the child.
- Trisomy 18: Another chromosomal issue leading to developmental delays and abnormalities of body organs in the child.
- Spina bifida: Yet another defect leading to defects in the spinal cord.
- Abdominal wall defects: It is associated with the belly of a child, wherein the baby’s intestines or other organs protrude through the belly button.
Why is this test important?
It’s highly advisable that a pregnant woman go through this test at the right stage of her pregnancy to ensure that the baby is devoid of any such defects.
Especially women who conceive at an older age, like in mid 30’s, their babies are more vulnerable to such abnormalities. Besides, if there’s a family history of birth defects or if a woman is diabetic, or she suffers from a viral infection during pregnancy, or uses heavy medications and drugs during pregnancy must undergo the Quadruple Screening Test.
How safe is the test?
The Quadruple screening test is completely safe and does not require anything more than a blood sample. The level of substances in the blood is examined by the doctors, and a report is prepared. In the majority of cases, this report is negative, pointing towards a healthy child. In very rare cases, the results are positive, pointing towards a probable chromosomal abnormality. In such cases, the doctor may advise further tests to verify the results of the quadruple test.
Final Thoughts
Quadruple screening test is a healthcare tool that helps to identify potential risks in a second-trimester pregnancy. This can have false-negative and false-positive results (although it is slightly more accurate than the triple screen). More tests are needed to confirm an abnormal result. But this is a safe test and could be done with the best of the mechanical apparatus.
