Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Quad Screen, Quad Test, Quadruple Screen Test, Second Trimester Screen, Multiple Marker Screening, AFP Plus, 4-Marker Screen |
| Sample Type | Serum (maternal blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 day |
| Recommended For | Pregnant women between 15 and 22 weeks of gestation, especially those aged 35 or older, with a family history of genetic conditions, or who missed first-trimester screening |
| Price | Starting at ₹3,000 |
What Is a Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test?
The Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test is a prenatal blood screening test performed between weeks 15 and 22 of pregnancy. It measures four specific proteins and hormones in the mother's blood to assess the risk of certain chromosomal conditions and birth defects in the developing baby. Also called the Quad Screen or 4-Marker Screen, this test uses a serum sample collected from a vein in the arm. It is a routine part of second-trimester prenatal care and is recommended for all pregnant women.
What Does a Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test Measure?
The Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test analyses four markers in maternal serum. Results are expressed as Multiples of the Median (MoM), which compares each measured level against the average for that stage of pregnancy.
| Marker | What It Is | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) | A protein produced by the foetal liver | High levels may suggest neural tube defects; low levels may indicate Down syndrome risk |
| Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) | A hormone produced by the placenta | Elevated levels may point to an increased risk of Down syndrome |
| Unconjugated Oestriol (uE3) | A hormone produced by the foetus and placenta | Low levels are linked to a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities |
| Inhibin-A | A protein produced by the ovaries and placenta | Raised levels may indicate an increased risk of Down syndrome |
Why Is a Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test Done?
This test is a standard screening offered to all pregnant women during the second trimester. It helps identify pregnancies that may need further investigation.
Common Situations That May Prompt This Test
The following situations or risk factors often lead a doctor to recommend this test:
- Routine prenatal care between weeks 15 and 22 of pregnancy
- Advanced maternal age of 35 years or older
- Family history of chromosomal abnormalities or birth defects
- Abnormal results from first-trimester screening
- Missed or unavailable first-trimester screening
- Exposure to potentially harmful substances during pregnancy
- Insulin-dependent diabetes in the mother
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This screening can help assess the risk of several foetal conditions, including the following:
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome): a chromosomal condition that affects development
- Spina bifida: an incomplete closure of the spine
- Anencephaly: a condition where part of the brain and skull do not develop
- Abdominal wall defects such as omphalocele and gastroschisis
Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test During Pregnancy
The Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test is specifically designed as a routine prenatal screening tool. Healthcare providers recommend it for all pregnant women, typically between the 15th and 20th weeks, with the most accurate results obtained between weeks 16 and 18. It monitors levels of four pregnancy-specific markers to estimate the risk of chromosomal conditions and neural tube defects in the foetus.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, but a few practical steps will help the process go smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Bring the latest copy of your ultrasound report to confirm accurate gestational age, as this is also required
- Inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking
- The test is most accurate between weeks 16 and 18 of pregnancy, so try to schedule within this window
- Provide informed consent before the test is carried out
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained phlebotomist will seat you comfortably and identify a suitable vein, usually in the forearm.
- An elastic band (tourniquet) is tied around the upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- The area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A fine needle is inserted into the vein, and a small blood sample (3 ml) is collected into a gel tube.
- The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the site. The whole process takes around five to ten minutes.
- The serum sample is sent to the laboratory for testing using the DELFIA method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence marker levels and risk calculations. Inform your doctor about any of the following:
- Carrying twins or multiple foetuses
- Inaccurate gestational age dating
- Maternal weight (heavier mothers may have diluted marker levels)
- Insulin-dependent diabetes, which lowers AFP, uE3, and inhibin levels
- Pregnancies conceived through IVF or assisted reproductive technology (ART)
- Smoking, which affects AFP, inhibin-A, uE3, and hCG levels
Understanding Your Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test Results
Results are reported as MoM values alongside a calculated risk figure. Your doctor will review all four markers together to give an overall risk assessment.
| Parameter | Typical MoM Value | Findings Associated with Increased Risk |
|---|---|---|
| AFP | Approximately 0.5–2.0 MoM | ≥2.5 MoM may be associated with an increased risk of open neural tube defects; low AFP may be associated with Down syndrome |
| hCG | Approximately 0.5–2.0 MoM | Elevated levels are commonly associated with an increased risk of Down syndrome |
| Unconjugated Oestriol (uE3) | Approximately 0.5–2.0 MoM | Lower-than-expected levels may be associated with Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and other fetal abnormalities |
| Inhibin-A | Approximately 0.5–2.0 MoM | Elevated levels are commonly associated with an increased risk of Down syndrome |
Risk cut-offs used in reporting are as follows:
- For Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), a calculated risk below 1 in 270 is screen-negative; at or above 1 in 270 is screen-positive.
- For Trisomy 18, a risk below 1 in 100 is screen-negative; at or above 1 in 100 is screen-positive.
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
- In insulin-dependent diabetes, AFP, uE3, and inhibin MoM values are adjusted upward because these markers are naturally lower in diabetic pregnancies.
- In IVF-conceived pregnancies, hCG levels tend to be higher and uE3 lower than in naturally conceived pregnancies, so MoM values are adjusted accordingly.
- Pregnancies from assisted reproductive technology (ART) may show significantly higher levels across all four markers, which can increase screen-positive rates.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These are general wellness tips for a healthy pregnancy, not treatment recommendations:
- Attend all scheduled prenatal visits and discuss screening results with your doctor
- Take folic acid supplements as advised by your doctor, as this supports foetal neural tube development
- Maintain a balanced diet and stay well hydrated throughout your pregnancy
Lupin Diagnostics Quadruple Marker Test Price and Home Collection
The Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹3,000, with home sample collection available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| NAVI MUMBAI | 3000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test online:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test home collection is available across cities, allowing you to have your blood sample collected at a time and place convenient for you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Digital reports are shared directly via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test is a prenatal blood screening used to assess the risk of certain chromosomal conditions and birth defects in the developing baby. It is performed between weeks 15 and 22 of pregnancy and looks at four markers in the mother's blood.
No fasting is needed before this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment without any impact on the results.
The test can be done between weeks 15 and 22 of pregnancy. It gives the most accurate results when taken between weeks 16 and 18, so try to schedule your appointment within this window.
Yes, the Quad Screen is very safe. It only involves a routine blood draw from the mother's arm and carries no risk to the foetus. The process takes around five to ten minutes.
A screen-positive result does not confirm a diagnosis. It means the calculated risk is above the specified threshold, and that further investigation may be needed. Your doctor may recommend additional tests, such as a detailed ultrasound or amniocentesis, to get clearer information.
The Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test has a detection rate of approximately 81 to 83% for Down syndrome, with a false-positive rate of around 5%. Accuracy depends on correct gestational dating and other individual factors.
Yes, the Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test cost can vary depending on the city and the laboratory. The Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹3,000. Please check the current price at the time of booking.
Quadruple Marker- Second Trimester Test: Booking, Price, and Results
