What Does a Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test Measure?
This test measures three key markers in your blood:
- AFP: Evaluates risk of open neural tube defects and certain abdominal wall defects
- Beta HCG: Helps assess risk of chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome
- uE3: Assists in evaluating fetal well being and chromosomal risk
Using your age, gestational age, ultrasound findings, and hormone levels, a risk factor is calculated for:
- Trisomy 21 also known as Down syndrome
- Trisomy 18 also known as Edward syndrome
- Open neural tube defects
Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test: Who Needs It and Why It’s Done
What Symptoms May Call for a Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test?
This test is not based on symptoms. It is part of routine prenatal screening during the second trimester.
However, your doctor may specifically recommend it if:
- You are above 35 years of age
- There is a family history of chromosomal disorders
- Previous pregnancy had genetic abnormalities
- Ultrasound findings suggest increased risk
- You have diabetes or other high risk conditions
Who Should Get a Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test?
You may be advised to take this test if you are:
- Pregnant between 14 and 22.6 weeks
- Seeking second trimester prenatal screening
- At increased maternal age risk
- Having abnormal first trimester screening results
- Carrying risk factors identified on ultrasound
Why is a Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test Done?
It is done to estimate the statistical risk of certain fetal abnormalities. The results help guide decisions about further diagnostic tests such as detailed ultrasound or invasive procedures when necessary.
Importance of Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test
This screening test plays an important role in prenatal care. It helps identify pregnancies that may have a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities or neural tube defects. Early identification allows timely counselling, detailed imaging, and further diagnostic testing if required.
The risk calculation is performed using validated software that adjusts results based on maternal age and hormone values converted into MoM values.
Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare
How to Book the Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test and Get Your Reports?
- Simple Online Booking
Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select the Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test, choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You may also visit a nearby Metropolis Lab if you prefer in person sample collection.
- Safe Sample Collection
A trained phlebotomist collects about 3 ml of blood in a gel vacutainer while following strict safety and hygiene protocols.
- Sample Tracking Updates
You receive updates at every stage from collection to testing through the Metropolis Healthcare platform.
- Accurate Laboratory Testing
Your sample is processed at NABL and CAP accredited laboratories using Chemiluminescence Immunoassay technology.
- Quick and Easy Reports
Your reports are shared via email, WhatsApp, or can be downloaded from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.
Is Home Sample Collection for Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test Available Near You?
Yes, Metropolis Healthcare offers home sample collection for Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test. This service saves you time, reduces the need for travel, and ensures professional sample handling while maintaining strict quality standards.
In how much time will I get Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test report?
Reports are usually available next day once the sample reaches the lab.
Note: Reporting time may vary based on your location.
Where can I see or get Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test results?
Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, reports are sent via email or WhatsApp and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the Metropolis Lab.
Interpreting Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test Results
What Your Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test Results May Indicate?
This is a statistical screening test. Results are reported as risk ratios and MoM values.
|
Parameter
|
Screen Interpretation
|
What It May Indicate
|
|
Trisomy 21 Risk
|
Screen positive or screen negative
|
Higher risk of Down syndrome if screen positive
|
|
Trisomy 18 Risk
|
Screen positive or screen negative
|
Higher risk of Edward syndrome if screen positive
|
|
Open Neural Tube Defect
|
Elevated AFP MoM
|
Increased risk of neural tube defect
|
If your result is screen positive, your doctor may recommend confirmatory testing. Interpretation must always consider maternal age, weight, gestational age, and ultrasound findings.
How Should You Prepare for a Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test?
Follow these instructions to ensure accurate risk calculation:
- Timing is important: Schedule the test between 14 and 22.6 weeks of pregnancy
- Bring your latest USG report: Accurate gestational age is essential
- Provide complete history: Ensure the maternal test requisition form is fully filled
- Share medical conditions: Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, hypertension, or liver disease
- Mention multiple pregnancy: Inform your doctor if you are carrying more than one baby
- Normal hydration: You can eat and drink normally before the test
How Is a Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)
The Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test is performed using a simple blood collection process:
- Preparation: A tourniquet is tied around your arm to make veins more visible.
- Cleaning: The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic.
- Sample Collection: A sterile needle is used to draw about 3 ml of blood into a gel vacutainer.
- Completion: The needle is removed, and a bandage is applied.
- Processing: The serum sample is analysed using Chemiluminescence Immunoassay and statistical risk is calculated using PRISCA software.
Conditions That May Affect Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test Accuracy
Certain maternal and pregnancy related factors may influence results:
- Incorrect gestational age calculation
- Multiple pregnancy
- Maternal diabetes or hypertension
- Maternal weight variations
- Chronic liver disease
- Placental abnormalities
- Intrauterine growth restriction
- Oligohydramnios
Accurate clinical and ultrasound information helps improve result reliability.
Diseases That a Maternal Screen (Triple Test) Second Trimester Test Can Help Detect
This test helps assess risk for:
- Down syndrome
- Trisomy 18
- Open neural tube defects
- Certain abdominal wall defects
- Chromosomal abnormalities requiring further testing