Dear S. Venkata.

Yes, Triple marker test is very usefull.

Here is an article.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2675509/

Btw nowadays it is not named as "TRIPLE TEST"but  it is named as "PENTA screen". Which increases detection rate of down's syndrome from 72% to 83% with inclusion of two more parameters like DIA and  h-hCG.

Hope this will be usfull to you.

Regards,

Dr. Dharmik

The triple test measures three elements produced by the pregnancy. These are bhCG, estradiol and   alpha fetoprotein. As these hormones are produced by the pregnancy itself, normal and abnormal distributions for pregnancy with and without Down Syndrome can be plotted to generate a statistical risk measure of a pregnancy being affected with Down syndrome. This risk is then classified as HIGH risk and LOW risk. High risk pregnancies can be offered a diagnostic test such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.

Since its development, the triple test has been refined and additional markers have been added to these original three to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the test.

Nuchal translucency (measuring the distance from the nuchal bone of the fetus to the skin at an ultrasound) can be added to the triple test to increase test sensitivity and specificity.

Even newer, a maternal blood test can measure elements of fetal DNA circulating in the mother's blood stream and provide an even more sensitive test (>99%). However, this later test is very expensive.

Nuchal translucency may need a lot of patience and expertise. More and more women are favoring pregnancies at 30+. Risk naturally  a factor,

Thank you very much for the concise answer.

Best sensitivity for screening for foetal aneuploidy is combined test i.e. Double test ( PAPP-A & b hcg ) and NT. Triple test is not v sensitive and hence not preferred these days.

It all depends on what technology is available. The tests, in order of sensitivity, are:

Non-invasive prenatal testing with cell free DNA (cfDNA). Sensitivity of 98+%, specificity of 98+%. Expensive, requires expensive hardware and software.

Combined first trimester screening (nuchal translucency, PAPP-A, freeb-hCG). Sensitivity 90%. Requires skilles ultrasound

Second trimester serum screening (inhibin-A, freebhCG, AFP, ±oestriol). Sensitivity 80%.  Easiest to perform.

Triple marker screen tests help prospective parents prepare and assess options. They can also indicate multiple children.

Triple marker screen tests also alert doctors to watch a fetus more closely for other signs of complications.

http://www.healthline.com/health/triple-marker-screen-test#Uses2

hi,

can anybody tell if there is need of triple marker test after undergoing dual marker test? If dual marker showed screen positive results, patient is suggested chorionic villus sampling around 13 wks. If Chorionic villi sampling ruled out numerical abnormality esp for trisomy 21, 18, 13 and sex chromosomes, then is there further need of undergoing triple marker test after 16-20 wks?

no, its not cost effective and sensitivity is not good