Triple Screen

Overview :

Prior to 1964, when the association between low levels of AFP and an increased risk for Down syndrome was reported, risk assessment for chromosomal diseases was based upon maternal age. At age 35, the risk of carrying a Down syndrome pregnancy is approximately one in 270, and this was deemed sufficient to warrant amniocentesis, a more accurate but invasive test that involves using a needle to draw out a sample of the embryonic fluid that surrounds the fetus. However, three of four Down syndrome pregnancies occur in women under 35 years old. When AFP testing was used along with maternal age, the rate of detection of Down syndrome increased to about 45%, but this level of sensitivity did not justify the screening of younger women because of the risk of miscarriage. The inclusion of uE3 and hCG testing has improved the detection rate to approximately 65-80% of cases for all age groups. The triple screen test costs $90-250 and is covered by most insurance plans.