Quadruple Marker Test in Pregnancy: Price & Normal Value

A quadruple marker test is a blood test recommended during the second trimester of the pregnancy. It is usually performed between the 15th and 22nd weeks of gestation. The most accurate results of the test are achieved between the 16th and 18th weeks. 

Quadruple marker test in pregnancy detects if a foetus has a higher risk of congenital disabilities, such as Down’s syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and neural tube defects. 

Hormones and Proteins Checked by a Quadruple Marker Test

The Quad marker test measures three hormones and a protein in the blood. The high or low levels of these hormones determine the risk of congenital disabilities in the developing foetus. 

The following hormones and proteins are measured in the women’s blood:

1. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): It is a protein produced by the baby’s liver and other organs. 

2. Unconjugated estriol (uE3): It is a hormone produced in the foetus and placenta.

3. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): It is a hormone produced by the placenta. 

4. Inhibin-A: It is a hormone produced by the placenta and ovaries.

The levels of these hormones and proteins change weekly, so it is important to inform the doctor how far along the pregnancy is before taking the test.

Not every pregnant woman requires a quad marker test. It is recommended for all pregnant women. However, women with the following risk factors should consider having a quadruple marker test:

1. Age: Pregnant women of age 35 or older

2. Family history: Women who have a family history of congenital disabilities

3. Previous congenital disabilities: Women with a baby with a congenital disability

4. Diabetes: Women taking insulin to treat Type-1 diabetes diagnosed before pregnancy

5. Viral infection: Women who have had a viral infection during the pregnancy

6. Radiation: Pregnant women who have been exposed to high levels of radiation

7. Harmful medication: Women who used harmful drugs or medications during pregnancy

Conditions Diagnosed With a Quadruple Marker Test

The quadruple marker test determines the chances of developing four major conditions. It includes:

1. Down’s syndrome or Trisomy 21: A genetic condition in which the baby is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. The condition can cause developmental delays, health problems, and lifelong intellectual disabilities. 

2. Edwards syndrome or Trisomy 18: A chromosomal condition that affects how the child’s body develops and grows. It is a serious condition with no treatment.

3. Spina bifida: It is a condition that affects the spine of the foetus when the neural tube does not develop or close properly in the womb. Sometimes, the condition can lead to paralysis of the lower extremities or learning difficulties. 

4. Abdominal wall defects: The condition is characterised by an opening in the abdominal wall of the foetus. It results in abdominal organs protruding from the belly button. 

It is always a good option to check for difficulties in pregnancy, especially for high-risk pregnancies and women over 35. The benefits of the test are as follows:

1. A simple, noninvasive test

2. Completed within two minutes

3. Minimal risks 

4. No special preparation is required

5. No after-care required

6. Assesses the risk of certain congenital disabilities and genetic disorders

7. Helps plan the pregnancy and childbirth if the unborn baby has any congenital disability

Since a quadruple marker test in pregnancy is a non-invasive test, no special preparations are required before and on the test day. The doctor will inform them of the following: 

1. Fasting is not necessary for the quadruple marker test.

2. Inform the doctor about all the medications and supplements.

3. Prefer wearing half sleeves for the blood test to proceed smoothly. 

4. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and eating large amounts of meat, fish and eggs.

The quadruple marker testin pregnancy takes 5-10 minutes. Generally, the woman can expect the following during the test:

1. A tourniquet is fastened around the arm.

2. the injection site is cleansed with a cotton swab soaked in 70% alcohol before inserting the needle.

3. A small needle is inserted into a vein in the arm to draw the required amount of blood collected in a test tube.

4. After removing the needle, a bandage is placed on the puncture site to prevent infections.

5. Finally, the sample is sent to the laboratory.

There is no after-care required post-quad marker test. One can return to her normal diet and activities after the test. The results of the test are usually available within 24 hours.

The doctor may schedule a follow-up appointment when the results of the quadruple marker test are ready. They may discuss the results and further testing if required. 

If a pregnant woman gets a normal quad marker test result, her baby is not at a higher risk of being born with congenital disabilities. The doctor will most likely not suggest further genetic tests. The normal value of the test are:

1. Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein - 1.38-187 IU/ml

2. Beta-hCG - 1.06-315 ng/ml

3. Unconjugated Estriol (E3) - 0.25-28.5 nmol/l

4. Inhibin A - 98-247 pg/ml

Interpretation of Abnormal Result

The results of a quad screen test in an abnormal range do not necessarily indicate a problem in the pregnancy. It can also mean that the baby is older than expected.  The test is only used as a screening tool, which assesses the risk of certain congenital disabilities in the baby. 

The interpretation of the abnormal result is as follows:

If the quadruple marker blood test shows an increased risk of congenital disabilities, the doctor will recommend other tests. It includes:

1. Prenatal cell-free DNA screening: The blood test examines cell-free DNA in the women’s bloodstream from her placenta and baby. 

2. Amniocentesis: The doctor draws a sample of amniotic fluid for testing.

3. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): During this test, the doctor removes a sample of placental tissue for testing.

The quadruple marker test is a safe, routine prenatal test with no miscarriage risk or other pregnancy complications. However, like any other blood test, the test may involve rare minimal risks for the women, such as:

1. Bleeding

2. Bruising

3. Tenderness at the site of the needle

4. Infection

5. Lightheadedness

Cost of Quadruple Marker Test

The approximate cost of a quadruple marker test in India is ₹ 3000 to 5000. The following factors affect the cost of the test:

1. Geographical location: The cost of medical services, including laboratory tests, can vary depending on the geographic location. Tests conducted in urban areas may be more expensive than in rural areas.

2. Healthcare provider or laboratory: Different healthcare providers or laboratories may charge different prices for the same test.

3. Health insurance coverage: The cost of the quadruple marker test may be covered by health insurance, either partially or fully. It depends on the type and extent of coverage. 
   

4. Additional tests: Sometimes, additional services or tests may be recommended along with the quadruple marker test in pregnancy, It includes ultrasound or further genetic testing.

Regular prenatal tests help doctors monitor the growth and development of the foetus. A quadruple marker test detects the possibility of having a baby with congenital disabilities.

The team of professionals at HexaHealth can help you understand if a quadruple marker blood test is the right choice for you. We will help you at each step of the way during your pregnancy. So if you are worried about your pregnancy or your unborn baby’s health, talk to an expert at HexaHealth TODAY! 

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