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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffThe quad screen is done to evaluate your risk of carrying a baby who has certain developmental or chromosomal conditions, including:
- Spina bifida. Spina bifida is a serious birth defect that occurs when the tissue surrounding a baby's developing spinal cord doesn't close properly.
- Anencephaly. Anencephaly is an underdeveloped brain and an incomplete skull. A baby born with anencephaly may be stillborn or die within a few hours or days after birth.
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21). Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes mental retardation and other medical problems.
- Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18). Edwards syndrome is a condition that causes severe mental retardation. Edwards syndrome is often fatal by age 1.
A similar test known as the triple screen — which only checks AFP, HCG and estriol — is sometimes offered in place of the quad screen. The quad screen is more sensitive, however. Some health care providers choose to combine the results of first trimester screening — a two-step test that includes a blood test and a specialized ultrasound exam — with the quad screen. Although first trimester screening is done earlier in pregnancy than is the quad screen, you won't learn the final results of this sequential testing until both tests are completed and analyzed.
Remember, the quad screen is optional — and test results only indicate whether you have an increased risk of carrying a baby who has certain developmental or chromosomal conditions, not whether your baby actually has the condition. Before the screening, think about what the results mean to you. Consider whether the screening will be worth any anxiety it may cause, or whether you'll handle your pregnancy differently depending on the results. You might also consider what level of risk would be enough for you to choose a more invasive follow-up test. If cost is a concern, ask your insurance provider for coverage details.
- 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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