QUAD MARKER SCREEN TEST

The quad marker screen test is a blood test performed during pregnancy, usually from the 15th to the 20th week. The quad marker screen determines if the infant is at a higher risk for specific birth abnormalities like the triple screen.

If your risk is minimal, the quad screen might indicate that you are less likely to have neural tube defects, trisomy 18, Down syndrome, or abdominal wall defects. If the quad screen reveals higher risk of one of these illnesses, you should seek further testing or screening.

Why Is Quad Marker Screen Test Necessary During Pregnancy?

The procedure is easy, including collecting a blood sample in the same manner as any other regular blood test. The quad marker screen test is a test that provides risk information but does not allow for the final diagnosis of any illnesses. It can just indicate that more testing is necessary to identify a diagnosis. The test poses no risk to the infant.

Why It Is Done

The quad screen assesses your chance of bearing a kid with some of the following issues:

The quad screen is a conventional second-trimester test. If the first screening, which involves an ultrasound and a blood test, was not available, it was often used. Your physician may combine the first screening results with the quad screen.

Prenatal cell-free DNA screening may be recommended instead of quad screening. Ask your doctor about screening options.

It does not exclude chromosomal abnormalities, single-gene disorders, or specific birth malformations. You will be advised to seek further testing if your screening test is positive.

Consider the findings before the screening. Consider if the test is worth the distress it may cause or whether the results will affect how you approach your pregnancy. Consider if the degree of risk warrants a more intrusive follow-up test.

What Are The Risks Of The Quad Marker Screen Test?

A standard prenatal screening test is the quad marker screen test. There is no risk of miscarriages or other pregnancy issues using the test.

Like other prenatal screening procedures, the quad screen may induce concern about the potential test findings and what they could indicate for your baby.

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