Book early in your window; call 8872524007.
What the Triple Marker test checks
Three substances in the mother's serum:
- AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), made by the baby's liver.
- hCG, the pregnancy hormone from the placenta.
- Unconjugated estriol (uE3), made jointly by the baby and placenta.
Each is compared with the typical level for that exact week of pregnancy. A raised AFP points towards a higher chance of an open neural tube defect, while the pattern across all three feeds the chromosomal risk. Some labs add inhibin A and call it the quadruple marker, which picks up a few more cases; your doctor will say which one they want.
Why your doctor may order it
- You're between 15 and 20 weeks and haven't had first-trimester screening.
- Your doctor wants an AFP-based check for neural tube defects.
- Previous pregnancy or family history that makes screening more relevant.
This test only looks at the chance of the conditions above. Alpha Laboratory does not perform or disclose sex determination, which is illegal in India under the PCPNDT Act.
How to prepare
No fasting. What matters most is the dates. Getting the week of pregnancy wrong is the commonest reason for a misleading screen-positive result, so dating by an early ultrasound is far more reliable than the last period date.
Bring: - Your dating or anomaly scan report. - Date of birth and today's weight. - Details of IVF or donor egg, twins, insulin-treated diabetes and smoking.
Sample type and report time
One serum sample. It's collected at Alpha Laboratory and processed in-house or at a partner reference laboratory, depending on the test. Expect the report in usually 1–3 working days; we'll confirm the date when you book. Anyone searching for a triple marker test near me in the Banur and Rajpura area can also use our home sample collection, as long as the scan report is ready.
Understanding your results
The report gives a separate risk figure for each condition, plus whether it's above or below the screening cut-off. "Screen positive" means a higher chance, not a diagnosis. Most women with a screen-positive result go on to have an unaffected baby. A screen-negative result lowers the chance but doesn't exclude it.
Your obstetrician or a genetic counsellor explains the result and any next steps, which might include a detailed scan, cell-free DNA screening or amniocentesis. Please don't make decisions from the numbers alone.
FAQ
What's the difference between double and triple marker?
The double marker is a first-trimester test read with the NT scan. The triple marker is done at 15 to 20 weeks and also screens for neural tube defects.
Can I have the triple marker at 22 weeks?
Most programmes stop at around 20 to 22 weeks. Ask your doctor quickly if you're close to the limit.
Does a screen-positive result mean my baby is affected?
No. It means a higher chance, and your doctor will discuss whether a diagnostic test is worth considering.
Is fasting needed?
No. Eat normally.
Book at Alpha Laboratory
Book your triple marker test on 8872524007, or WhatsApp us your scan report so we can confirm you're in the window. Directions are on the contact page. Call or WhatsApp for the current price.