Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and ensuring your baby’s health begins with the right screening tests. One of the most recommended prenatal screening tests is the triple marker test. If you are searching for what is triple marker test in pregnancy or looking for trusted diagnostic services in Mumbai, Diagnopein offers accurate and affordable screening with expert radiologists.
Let’s understand the triple marker scan purpose, procedure, cost and accuracy with expert radiologists in detail.
The triple marker test (also known as triple screen test) is a maternal blood test performed during the second trimester, typically between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. It measures three important substances in the mother’s blood:
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Estriol (uE3)
These markers help assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18, and neural tube defects.
The primary purpose of the triple marker test is:
To screen for chromosomal abnormalities
To detect neural tube defects like spina bifida
To evaluate overall fetal health risk
To assist doctors in deciding if further diagnostic testing is needed
The procedure is simple and non-invasive:
Doctor Consultation – The gestational age is confirmed through ultrasound.
Blood Sample Collection – A small blood sample is drawn from the mother’s vein.
Laboratory Analysis – Hormone levels are measured.
Risk Assessment – Results are combined with maternal age, weight, and gestational age to calculate risk probability.
Accuracy of Triple Marker Test
The accuracy of the triple marker test depends on several factors:
Correct gestational age calculation
Quality of laboratory equipment
Expertise of interpreting radiologists
Here are key benefits:
Non-invasive and safe
Simple blood test
Early detection of potential risks
Helps parents make informed decisions
Affordable compared to advanced genetic tests
When comparing the triple marker test with other prenatal screening and diagnostic tests, it’s important to understand their purpose, accuracy, cost, and level of risk. The triple marker test is a second-trimester blood screening test that evaluates the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and neural tube defects. It is non-invasive, affordable, and widely recommended, but it provides moderate accuracy (around 60–70% detection rate for Down syndrome). In contrast, the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) is a more advanced blood test that analyzes fetal DNA in the mother’s bloodstream and offers much higher accuracy—up to 99% for detecting Down syndrome—though it is significantly more expensive. On the other hand, amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure rather than a screening test. It involves extracting amniotic fluid from the uterus to confirm chromosomal abnormalities with nearly 100% accuracy; however, it is invasive and carries a small risk of miscarriage. Therefore, the triple marker test remains a cost-effective and safe first-level screening option, while NIPT and amniocentesis are usually recommended when higher accuracy or confirmation is required.
Many mothers worry about discomfort. The good news is:
It’s just a routine blood draw
No fasting required
No risk to the fetus
Minimal discomfort
Apart from triple marker screening, Diagnopein Mumbai offers:
Pregnancy ultrasounds
Anomaly scans
Growth scans
Lower extremity doppler ultrasound
Routine pathology tests
When it comes to triple marker scan purpose, procedure, cost and accuracy with expert radiologists, choosing the right diagnostic center matters.
At Diagnopein Mumbai, we offer:
Experienced radiologists and pathologists
NABL-standard laboratory practices
Transparent triple marker test cost
Quick and reliable reporting
Comfortable and hygienic environment
Patient-focused care
The triple marker test is an essential second-trimester screening tool that helps assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects. It is safe, affordable, and widely recommended for expecting mothers.
If you are looking for trusted triple marker scan purpose, procedure, cost and accuracy with expert radiologists, Diagnopein Mumbai offers reliable prenatal screening backed by advanced technology and compassionate care.