AFP, unconjugated Estriol, hCG, Dimeric Inhibin A and Maternal Risk Interpretation
Maternal serum Quad Screen is used for prenatal screening of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and open neural tube defects (ONTD). This profile includes alpha-fetaprotein (AFP), unconjugated estriol (µE3), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and inhibin A. Establishing risk for fetal Down syndrome, using the quad screen achieves a 70-75% detection rate with a 5% false positive rate. Screening for Trisomy 18 detects 60% of affected fetuses with a 0.2% false positive rate. MSAFP screening detects 88% of anencephaly and 79% of open spina bifida with a 3% false positive rate. Normal results do not ensure birth of a normal infant. In addition, 2-3% of newborns have some type of physical or mental defect, many of which may be undetectable with current prenatal diagnostic procedures.
The Quad test in pregnant women should be performed between 14.0 and 22.9 weeks gestational age, although the optimal period is 15.0 - 16.9 weeks. this time frame allows sufficient opportunity for further diagnostic studies if the initial Quad Screen test results are abnormal. Specimens submitted before 14.0 weeks or after 22.9 weeks of gestation cannot be properly evaluated for open neural tube defects, Down Syndrome or Trisomy 16.
3.0 mL Serum from a Red Top Tube into a Plastic Vial
14 days Ambient
14 days Refrigerated
28 days Frozen
Collect between 14.0 and 22.9 weeks gestational age
Please make sure completing AFP Form
1.0 mL Serum
Refer to Interpretive Results
Maternal serum Quad Screen is used for prenatal screening of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and open neural tube defects (ONTD). This profile includes alpha-fetaprotein (AFP), unconjugated estriol (µE3), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and inhibin A. Establishing risk for fetal Down syndrome, using the quad screen achieves a 70-75% detection rate with a 5% false positive rate. Screening for Trisomy 18 detects 60% of affected fetuses with a 0.2% false positive rate. MSAFP screening detects 88% of anencephaly and 79% of open spina bifida with a 3% false positive rate. Normal results do not ensure birth of a normal infant. In addition, 2-3% of newborns have some type of physical or mental defect, many of which may be undetectable with current prenatal diagnostic procedures.
Limitation:
Quad Screen results consistent with an increased risk of trisomy should be confirmed with amniotic fluid specimen. Results consistent with increased risk of NTD may be followed-up with appropriate diagnostic testing as detailed in the report. Maternal serum screening yields a low percentage of false negatives. A wide range of other chromosomal abnormalities are not identified by maternal serum screening.
2 to 3 days
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