A Family Approach to Photos
Your Photo Albums:

Edit Albums
Upload New Pictures
Pregnancy


 Get Weekly Updates on your Child E-Mailed to You
Complete Privacy - Your information will be used by edHelperBaby only and will never be shared with another company.

  Enter your E-MAIL ADDRESS:  
    

What are maternal blood screening tests?

By Angela Sawinski, edHelperBaby

Maternal Blood Screening Tests
            What are maternal blood screening tests?

       Maternal blood screening tests are a way to check the risk of birth defects before a baby is born. The tests measure the levels of three or four substances in a sample of the mother's blood during pregnancy. Common names for these tests are serum screening tests, triple screen, and quad screen.       

       Substances that may be measured in these tests are:
  • Alfa-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein produced by the baby's liver
  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta
  • Estriol (uE3), a hormone produced in the placenta and the liver of the baby
  • Dimeric inhibin-A (DIA), another protein made by the placenta
       

        Why are these tests done?

       Some of the birth defects that might be detected by these tests are:
  • Chromosome abnormalities
  • Down syndrome
  • Brain or spinal cord defects
  • Defects in the digestive system, such as a problem with the abdomen or esophagus
  • Certain serious skin conditions
       

       The blood screening tests do not detect all birth defects. Also, an abnormal test result does not mean that the baby has a birth defect. If a screening test indicates your baby may be at high risk for a birth defect, the test will probably be repeated and other, more specific tests may be done.       

        Who should have this test?

       Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if:
  • You will be 35 or older on the baby's due date
  • You have a family history of birth defects
  • You used certain medicines before or during the pregnancy
  • You had a particular type of viral infection during your pregnancy
  • You used illegal drugs or alcohol during the pregnancy
  • You are diabetic
  • You have been exposed to a lot of radiation or certain chemicals

        How is the test done?

       A small amount of blood is taken from your arm between the 15th and 18th week of pregnancy. The tube of blood is sent to a lab to be analyzed. Your doctor will go over the results of the test with you.       

        What does the test result mean?

       The test cannot diagnose a birth defect, but it can calculate the risk of certain birth defects. The lab calculates the risk based on the levels of three or four different substances in your blood. The age of your unborn baby as well as your age, weight, and race are included in the calculation because these factors may influence the results. Not all test results are 100% accurate, and a birth defect may still be present that was not detected in the blood tests. However, if all of the tests are normal, your chances of having a baby with a birth defect are very low.

 		   

Ask Your Own Question
    

Ask a Question

Give a Suggestion     Contact edHelperBaby
Note: All information on edHelperBaby is of a general nature for educational purposes only.
For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
Your use of this site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.