Dear December group members:
I know some of you have entered in second trimester and may be better from M/S. I felt it may be time to let you all know what tests you would expect in coming week.

AFP, MSAFP, triple marker scan, four maker test or Quad analysis is fairly same test done between week 15-18 as early as week 13.

Typically test is done with blood and this test will measure:
AFP- produced by fetus,
hCG -telltale hormone of pregnancy
estradiol and inhibinA.

Amounts measure will help predicting (not concluding) if developing fetus has any chances of genetic disorder such as Downs syndrome and if central system is developing properly in other word if fetus is safe from Neural Tube Defect.

This test is known to have little high false positive results and therefore some people getting test positive can get concerned. This test is not an absolute major to conclude and negaitve test definitely means well being of developing baby. If the test is positive it only raises possibility and demand patien to rush for ultrasound that usually is scheduled around week 20. The ultrasound is intended to find any anamolies in developing baby. All of us want to have healthy answer here and at every test:)

If one has AFP positive and some trouble with Ultrasound then patient will be asked to undergo \";Amnioscentis test\";, little painful and will help making stronger statement. One may want to take data of all above tests, AFP, ultrasound and amnioscentis to Genetic counseller and assure everything is fine.

As Amnioscentis takes as long as 2 weeks and if ultrasound performed around end of 20th weeks things get delayed.

To help know exactly baby is perfectly fine AFP will help thus. If AFP negative no worries at ultrasound level. And give AFP normal and ultrasound good then no more tests to know baby has any expected trouble.

I shall be gald to provide insights if one want it further.

Hope this is helpful
Archie Shikha replied. Hi Archie!

Thanks for the update! This will really help.

I just wanted to know if all these tests are done in India as well. I mean.. do the docs ask these kinds of tests to be done here. I remember last time docs did couple of blood test for me because of the complication I had. But all these tests were more towards finding the level of iron, Hb etc in the blood. I am not too sure if the ever prescribe these tests. But may be I am unable to recall. But do you think if my doc doesn't ask fo these tests, i should go ahead and re-check with them.

If I may know where are you based?

Thanks and regards,

Shikha