Antenatal Screening

This screening can also be considered as a series of tests that doctors generally recommend to pregnant women. Each of such tests are generally performed for assessing the risks of chromosomal diseases of the baby.

One of the most well-known facts is, this test also helps to assess the health of the pregnant woman including the unborn child. The potential chances for the fetus of carrying any kind of chromosomal anomaly using the blood of the mother are also determined through this test. This is why this test is considered as one of the most important and necessary tests for pregnant women. These tests are generally suggested after analyzing several risk factors like the age of the mother, previous medical history and any other necessary information that has been discovered through any previous blood test.

Serum Double Marker Screening

This serum-based test is mainly performed to assess certain kinds of developmental abnormalities like Edward’s syndrome in the unborn child or the fetus. This test is generally suggested within 9-13 weeks after pregnancy. This test is always performed with USG.

Tests Covered

• Free Beta HCG
• PAPP-A (Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein)

Risks Screened For

• Down's Syndrome or Trisomy 21
• Edward’s Syndrome or Trisomy 18

3 ml serum in a barcoded sample collection tube is required. Besides, 24-48 hours should be provided to submit all the necessary documents before the test.

Triple Marker Screening

This antenatal test is generally recommended between 15th-20th week after getting pregnant. This test is for checking the three markers in the blood of the mother for estimating the risks. It helps to determine the chances of the fetus carrying any abnormalities.

Considerable factors while calculating the risk

• Mother’s body weight
• Any previous history of smoking
• Last date of menstrual period
• Fetus numbers
• USG findings
• Date of birth of the donor
• IVF status

Tests covered

• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
• Alpha-Fetoprotein
• Estriol

Risks screened for

• Trisomy 18 or Edward’s syndrome
• Trisomy 21 or Down’s syndrome
• Neural Tube Defects

Sample Requirements:

• 3ml serum is needed in a barcoded sample collection tube.
• 24-48 hours are given to submit all the necessary documents.

Quadruple Marker Screening

This test is also recommended within 15th-20th weeks after getting pregnant. This test can not be called a diagnostic test, however, this test is also considered as one of the most widely used and effective tests that can help to determine if the fetus is carrying any abnormalities.

Tests covered

• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin.
• Alpha-Fetoprotein
• Inhibin A
• Unconjugated Estriol

Risk Screened For

• Trisomy 18 or Edward’s syndrome
• Trisomy 21 or Down’s Syndrome
• Neural Tube Defect

Sample Requirements

• A barcoded collection tube containing 3ml serum.
• 24-48 hours are provided for the submission of all the necessary documents.

Benefits of Antenatal Screening test

• This test can be considered as the other name of an earlier screening for any type of chromosomal disorders.
• It also helps to determine the necessity of further tests.
• No special expertise is required as the sample collection process is easier.
• Tests are feasible in both second and first semester.
• It can effectively predict 75-80% of neural tube defects.
• It also plays a key role in reducing pregnancy-related complexions.