General Information About the Test
Test Process and Preparation
No, the quadruple screen test is not a diagnostic test; it is a "risk assessment" (screening) test. A high-risk result does not definitively mean the baby is affected; it merely indicates that an amniocentesis or fetal DNA test should be performed for a definitive diagnosis.
Four different values found in the mother's blood are examined: AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein), hCG, Estriol (uE3), and Inhibin-A. These values are combined with the mother's age, weight, and gestational week in a computer program to calculate the risk ratio.
The test is performed with a simple blood sample drawn from the mother's arm, and it does not require fasting or any special preparation.
The information on this page is for informational purposes only. The results of medical tests must be evaluated by specialist physicians.
