QuestionDear Brenda,
I am 28 yrs old, I am 20 weeks pregnant & this is my first pregnancy, I did my Anomally ultra sound done last week & the results were good.
I have been reading/hearing about a triple marker test.
Please let me know if I need to get this test done? My doc said it isnt required but from what I have been reading I am confused. Please suggest.
Do
AnswerDear Saba,
The triple test is a maternal blood screening test that looks for three specific substances: AFP, hCG, and Estriol. It is usually performed between the 15th and 17th week of pregnancy. It can still be accurate up to 20 weeks, but is rarely done after 22 weeks. Doctors differ in whether they routinely run this test. Some will offer it to every pregnant woman. Others will run it routinely. Some will use other screening tools/tests first. Still others will run it or suggest it only on those with risk factors. It would be 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
Keep in mind that this test is only a screening tool. Abnormal test results simply warrant additional testing for making an accurate diagnosis. A more conservative approach involves performing a second triple test followed by a high definition ultrasound. Your doctor may be one who uses ultrasound results to determine further need for additional screening tools such as this test. If he feels you have no history or risk factors or red flags to suggest that there may be a problem, he may not feel the extra expense of the test is necessary.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
