Triple Marker Test

The Triple Marker Test is one of the tests performed during the prenatal screening period. This is a period in your pregnancy when the doctor asks you to undergo several tests to determine the condition of your pregnancy.

This particular test helps detect any possible pregnancy complications levels of the three hormones. These three hormones that are tested during the Triple Marker Test are:

• AFP or Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) - The foetus produces this hormone. It is essential for this hormone to be present in normal quantities.
• Free Beta hCG or Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) - This hormone is produced by the mother’s placenta and nourishes the foetus. Its too high or too low levels can cause problems.
• Estriol - This hormone is a kind of estrogen produced by both the mother and the child. In abnormal levels, it can lead to health issues like Down Syndrome.

Your healthcare practitioner can interpret the Triple Marker Test results to identify the possibility of developing any pregnancy-related health concerns. Some of these include Down Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome, and Ectopic Pregnancy.

The Triple Marker Test is recommended for pregnant mothers during their 15 weeks and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Healthcare professionals recommend this test to prevent any pregnancy complications and ensure the well-being of mother and baby.

Down Syndrome, Neural Tube Defects, Multiple Pregnancies, Edwards Syndrome, and Ectopic Pregnancy

The Triple Marker Test means the pregnant woman’s body is being checked for the levels of three important hormones. These hormones can point out the risk of developing any complications at the time of birth or further in pregnancy.

Some of the medical situations in which doctors make use of the Triple Marker Test are:

• Down Syndrome: Down Syndrome is a manifestation of abnormal chromosomes in the fetus’ body. Together, the levels of AFP, Free Beta hCG, and Estriol can help determine the possibility of the fetus having the disorder.
• Edwards Syndrome: Edwards Syndrome affects the proper development of the child’s brain and other organs that can show up even after two years of life. This syndrome can even prove to be life-threatening in some cases.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: Ectopic Pregnancy results from the fertilized egg attaching itself to a place that is outside the uterus or womb. This condition mostly leads to a miscarriage because the baby cannot get the right environment (as inside the urethra) to grow properly. The levels of Free Beta hCG hormone can be beneficial in the detection of ectopic pregnancies.

The test is prescribed to pregnant women to assess their state of pregnancy and the unborn child’s well-being.

The Triple Marker Test is only suggested to pregnant women as a part of their prenatal screening. However, sometimes your doctor may also suggest you undergo the Triple Marker Test when you are not pregnant to determine any possible risks later in your pregnancy.

Before the Test

Usually a doctor doesn't instruct specific preparation for a Triple Marker test. However, if this test is paired with another, you might be advised to avoid certain foods. To ensure the most precise outcomes, consult  with your healthcare provider before any test.

During the Test  

Blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm to be collected as the sample. Your experience will likely resemble the following:

• The site where the needle will be inserted is disinfected with an antiseptic solution.
• A tourniquet is wrapped around your arm to enlarge the veins.
• A fresh needle is inserted into the vein to collect the blood. This process could take a few seconds, during which you might experience a minor discomfort from the needle.
• Your blood sample will be placed in a small container or tube labelled with your test information.

After the Test

After the blood is collected:

• A bandage is applied to the site where the needle was inserted to stop any bleeding.
• You might feel a bit sore or lightheaded, nothing to be concerned about. You may be asked to rest for a few minutes.
• Reach out to your doctor if you notice any bleeding, discomfort, or rashes at the site of the puncture.

The results of the Triple Marker Test can be affected by several parameters, including -

• Weight of the mother
• Age of the pregnant woman (above 35 years)
• Ethnicity of the mother
• Any pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes
• Mother taking regular medications like insulin
• Exposure to high levels of radiation
• Family history of having any genetic disorders

All these factors are capable of causing the Triple Marker Test results to deviate from their normal levels. They can be better understood only with the expertise of your healthcare practitioner.

Although it is often hard to develop a normal range of references for Indian mothers, here is a table that you can refer to for interpreting your Triple Marker Test results:

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

Any deviations from the normal range of reference can indicate the possibility of an abnormal pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, neural tube defects in the fetus, or ectopic pregnancy. However, depending on a few factors (as mentioned in test parameters), your results may not be “normal”. But your pregnancy may still not be abnormal. You should always take your healthcare practitioner’s advice to interpret the Triple Marker Test results as per your body, genes, health conditions, etc.

The pricing for a Triple Marker test can vary based on the city and the laboratory. Typically, the cost of a Triple Marker test ranges from INR 899 to INR 2749. Here is a detailed breakdown of the average charges for a Triple Marker test in various major cities across India: