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The triple test is a maternal blood screening test that looks for three specific substances: AFP, hCG, and Estriol.
AFP: alpha-fetoprotein is a protein that is normally produced by the fetus.
hCG: human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced within the placenta
Estriol: estriol is an estrogen produced by both the fetus and the placenta
It is a non-invasive procedure done through a blood test with little to no risk to the mother or developing baby.
How is the triple test performed?
The triple test involves drawing blood from the mother which takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for testing. The results usually take a few days to receive.
What are the risks and side effects to the mother or baby?
Except for the discomfort of drawing blood, there are no risks or side effects associated with the triple test.
When is the triple test performed?
The triple test is performed between the 15th and 17th week of pregnancy. Accurate results can still be obtained through 20 weeks gestation; in rare cases it may be performed up to 22 weeks.
All pregnant women should be offered MSAFP screening, but it is recommended for women who:
Have a family history of birth defects
Are 35 years or older
Used possible harmful medications or drugs during pregnancy
Have diabetes and use insulin
Had a viral infection during pregnancy
Have been exposed to high levels of radiation
What does the triple test look for?
The triple test is measuring high and low levels of AFP and abnormal levels of hCG and estriol. The results are combined with the mother's age and ethnicity in order to assess probabilities of potential genetic disorders.
High levels of AFP may suggest that the developing baby has a neural tube defect. The most common neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly.
Low levels of AFP may indicate that the developing baby has Down syndrome (Trisomy 21).
Abnormal levels of hCG and estriol may indicate that the developing baby may have chromosome abnormalities.
Although the primary reason for conducting the triple test is to screen for genetic disorders, the triple test has also been used to identify:
Defects in the ventral wall of the baby
Defects in the digestive system of the baby
Women carrying twins
Pregnancies that are more or less advanced than thought
Risks of premature birth, preeclampsia and miscarriage
What do the triple test results mean?
It is important to remember that the triple test is a screening test and not a diagnostic test. This test only notes that a mother is at risk of carrying a baby with a genetic disorder. Many women who experience an abnormal test discover later that the test proved false.
The results for AFP, estriol and hCG levels are usually phrased as high or low values. For example, the combination of a low AFP, low estriol and a high hCG suggests further screening for Down Syndrome. The following table presents the potential assessment associated with different score combinations:
Triple Test Values
SCREENING:
AFP:
Estriol:
hCG:
Down Syndrome
Low
Low
High
Trisomy 13
Normal
No Data
Low
Trisomy 18
Low
Low
Low
Open Neural Tube Defects
High
Normal
Normal
IUGR, preterm birth, stillbirth
High
No Data
No Data
Multiple Gestation
High
High
High
Abnormal test results warrant additional testing for making a diagnosis. A more conservative approach involves performing a second triple test followed by a high definition ultrasound. If the testing still maintains abnormal results, the more invasive procedures such as amniocentesis or CVS, may be performed.
These invasive procedures should be discussed thoroughly with your healthcare provider and between you and your partner. Additional counseling and discussions with a counselor, social worker or minister may prove helpful.
What are the reasons for further testing?
Triple testing is a routine screening that is not an invasive procedure and poses no risks to the mother or baby. The triple testing results may warrant additional testing. The reasons to pursue further testing or not vary from person to person and couple to couple. Performing further testing allows you to confirm a diagnosis and then provides you with certain opportunities:
Pursue potential interventions that may exist (i.e. fetal surgery for spina bifida)
Begin planning for a child with special needs
Start addressing anticipated lifestyle changes
Identify support groups and resources
Make a decision about carrying the child to term
Some individuals or couples may elect not to pursue testing or additional testing for various reasons:
They are comfortable with the results no matter what the outcome is
Because of personal, moral, or religious reasons, making a decision about carrying the child to term is not an option
Some parents choose not to allow any testing that poses any risk of harming the developing baby