The Quadruple Marker Test measures four substances in maternal blood:

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Unconjugated Estriol (uE3)

Inhibin-A

Clinical uses include:

Screening for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21).

Screening for Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18).

Detecting neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida, anencephaly).

Assessing overall fetal development and maternal risk factors.

The test is typically performed between 15–20 weeks of pregnancy.

Analyte: Four maternal serum markers (AFP, hCG, uE3, Inhibin-A).

Normal Result: Marker levels within expected ranges for gestational age.

Abnormal Findings:

High AFP: Suggests neural tube defects or abdominal wall defects.

Low AFP + high hCG + low uE3 + high Inhibin-A: Suggestive of Down syndrome.

Low AFP, hCG, uE3: Suggestive of Edwards syndrome.

Clinical Use:

Provides risk assessment for chromosomal abnormalities.

Helps guide further diagnostic testing (e.g., amniocentesis, NIPT).

Supports prenatal counseling and pregnancy management.