What is the triple test and at what week should it be performed?

The article was professionally consulted by Dr., Doctor Ngo Thi Uyen - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

With the triple test to screen for fetal malformations, pregnant women can detect congenital abnormalities in the fetus early, if any. This is extremely important to help doctors have the most positive treatment possible.

For pregnant women, triple test (or triple test) is a necessary test, in the group of fetal malformation screening tests, to help screen before birth and detect the risk of birth defects. in baby. This is a non-invasive test that completely does not affect the health of the mother and the development of the fetus.
Triple test uses the mother's blood to check for certain congenital disorders in the fetus. The increase or decrease of this trio of indicators helps the doctor predict the risk of fetal abnormalities so that the best advice can be given to the pregnant mother.
The process of performing triple test includes collecting mother and baby information, taking blood and sending it to the laboratory. Results can be received in 3-5 working days.

Triple test is done when the fetus is 15-20 weeks old. However, for the most accurate results, the test should be performed at 16 - 18 weeks of pregnancy.
All pregnant women need to have this test. In particular, pregnant women belonging to the following high-risk groups need to be tested:
Family history of birth defects. Pregnant women over 35 years old. Before or during pregnancy you have used drugs or substances that can harm the unborn baby. Have diabetes and use insulin. Having a viral infection during pregnancy. Working or living in an environment exposed to high doses of chemicals and radiation.

Triple test cannot accurately diagnose the health status of the baby, but only indicates whether the fetus is currently at risk of hereditary chromosomal disorders and whether further diagnostic tests are required. other. There are 2 abnormal cases with increased and decreased AFP levels:
Increased AFP levels are a sign that the fetus is at risk of neural tube defects (such as split spine) or missing part of the brain (cerebral aneurysms). ). However, pregnant women need to determine the exact gestational age, because most cases of increased AFP are due to incorrect gestational age determination. A decrease in AFP levels along with hCG and estriol levels puts the fetus at increased risk of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21 or trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18 or trisomy 18) or certain infectious abnormalities. other chromosomes. However, to be able to accurately predict the risk of fetal malformations, it is necessary to combine the test results of the three substances mentioned above along with many other factors, such as the mother's age, weight, height. , medical history of the mother herself (such as diabetes), habits (smoking), status of single or multiple pregnancies, gestational age at the time of testing, and obstetric history.

In cases where the triple test results show a high risk of fetal malformations, the mother should be indicated for a definitive diagnosis by invasive procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.
Couples should discuss with their counselor the meaning of test results and possible complications from the procedure before deciding to accept diagnostic testing.

The accuracy of the Triple test to screen for fetal malformations can be up to 90%. Pregnant women should choose to have it done at a reputable medical facility to minimize errors. However, for women pregnant with twins, the results are not completely accurate.
To maximize the accuracy of the triple test, you need to remember the exact week of pregnancy. Because many cases of pregnant women determine the pregnancy week incorrectly, leading to inaccurate results, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose.

With abnormal ultrasound results or Double test/Triple test results in high-risk group, pregnant women should choose NIPT prenatal screening: NIPT prenatal screening has higher accuracy and detects fetal problems earlier.
Below is a comparison table between prenatal screening methods:

Currently, many medical facilities can perform prenatal screening methods. However, you should choose a reputable department with a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, a team of experienced and highly qualified doctors. Thus, it is possible to ensure the most accurate test results, but besides that, pregnant women are also given appropriate advice and care for the fetus during pregnancy as well as limiting complications.

Triple test and one of the most important prenatal screening in pregnancy, helping to diagnose the risk of fetal malformations, is the basis for doctors to order invasive screening tests such as amniocentesis. , chorionic villus biopsies. Therefore, at 16-18 weeks of pregnancy, you should go to a medical facility for screening.
In order to protect the health of mother and fetus comprehensively, Vinmec provides all-inclusive maternity services (12-27-36 weeks), in which the 12-week maternity package helps monitor the health of mother and baby. early pregnancy, early detection and timely intervention of health problems. In addition to the usual services, the maternity monitoring program from 12 weeks has special services that other maternity packages do not have such as: Double Test or Triple Test to screen for fetal malformations; Quantitative angiogenesis factor test to diagnose preeclampsia; thyroid screening test; Rubella test; Testing for parasites transmitted from mother to child seriously affects the baby's brain and physical development after birth. After the results of antenatal care and testing are available, doctors will analyze and advise on genetics, nutrition, and a reasonable rest regimen for pregnant women to help mothers and babies have the best health, and develop fetuses. overview.
For detailed information about the 12-week maternity package and registration, you can contact the clinics and hospitals of Vinmec health system nationwide or register directly on the website.