The triple screen blood test is performed in the second trimester of pregnancy on the 16-20th week (weeks 17 and 18 are recommended).

The test includes three proteins:  Alpha Feto Protein (AFP)

     Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

     Unconjugated Estriol 3 (uE3)

These three proteins are usually found in the woman’s blood only during pregnancy. Their level varies during pregnancy.

By testing for those three proteins most fetuses with open defects in the central nervous system or in the abdominal wall can be detected, as well as about 70% of fetuses with Down syndrome, about 50% of the fetuses with other chromosomal abnormalities, and sometimes other defects and rare diseases.

90% of the women tested receive a normal result by the triple screen.

The results of the triple screen include the level of each of the three proteins, and a weighed risk level for a fetus with Down syndrome. This weighed risk is calculated according to the woman’s age and the levels of the three proteins.

When the weighed risk reaches or exceeds 1:380, we will invite the woman for counseling and advise to consider amniocenthesis.

In case the level of one of the three proteins is abnormal, even without increased weighed risk, the woman will be invited for counseling and explanation of the meaning of the results.

In cases of multi-fetal pregnancy, the result is calculated for each fetus separately and is less reliable than in single-fetus pregnancies.

The triple screen blood test does not provide a final diagnosis. Such diagnosis may be obtained through amniocentesis or ultrasound examination.

This test does NOT identify all defects. A normal result lowers, but does not eliminate, the risk for a fetus with Down syndrome or open defects in the central nervous system.

Note that the Ministry of Health recommends every woman who became pregnancy after the age of 35 to have amniocenthesis.

For any question, call 972-2-6776995.