Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffThe quad screen is a routine prenatal screening test. The test poses no risk of miscarriage or other pregnancy complications. However, it can be stressful to wait for test results or anticipate the need for invasive follow-up testing.
References
- Canick JA, et al. Second trimester maternal serum screening for Down syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 8, 2010.
- Canick JA, et al. Laboratory issues related to maternal serum screening for Down syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 8, 2010.
- Routine tests in pregnancy. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp133.cfm. Accessed March 8, 2010.
- NINDS anencephaly information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/anencephaly/anencephaly.htm. Accessed March 8, 2010.
- NINDS spina bifida information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/spina_bifida/spina_bifida.htm. Accessed March 8, 2010.
- Lao MR, et al. The ability of the quadruple test to predict adverse perinatal outcomes in a high-risk obstetric population. Journal of Medical Screening. 2009;16:55.
- Murry MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 24, 2010.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 30, 2010.

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