Quad Screen: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

The quad test is a medical test performed on pregnant women, to ensure that there are no abnormalities with the offspring. The test may look to ascertain the levels of alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, estriol and Inhibin A. The test is conducted during the second trimester, which is around 15 and 18 weeks of the pregnancy. However, in some cases, the test be conducted up to 20 weeks.

The test is performed to determine if the child faces a risk of chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome. Even when the test reveals no risk for Down Syndrome, the test can be done to ascertain that the child does not suffer from an increased risk of developing any chromosomal disease.

The quad screen test can be used to detect four disorders, namely, down syndrome, Trisomy 18, Spina bifida and anencephaly. This test was popular for detection of the chromosomal condition when the blood test and ultrasound technology was unavailable. Now, most doctors may recommend a prenatal cell-free DNA instead of the quad test.

Quad test is not a diagnostic procedure, but is used to determine if the foetus suffers from a higher risk of developing chromosomal conditions in the future.

This is a very simple and routine procedure, which does not involve any invasive methodology. Therefore, there are no risks as a result of the test to either the unborn baby or the child. However, as with any other test concerning the unborn child, the quad test can lead to some anxiety in the mother, while she waits for the results from the same.

No special preparation is required prior to undergoing the test. However, you may be asked to visit a genetic counsellor to know more about the procedure. No fasting or diet restrictions have to be followed prior to the testing. Blood is drawn from the veins in the mother’s arm. This blood sample is then sent to the lab for analysis. The mother can return to normal lifestyle immediately after the test is conducted.

The results, along with the age of the mother, is used to assess the chance that the mother may have a child with chromosomal conditions. The results are provided as a probability and only 1 in 500 children with chromosomal conditions develop a severe disorder when they are born. If the quad test gives a positive result for disorders, doctors may recommend taking additional steps or performing diagnostic tests.

All pregnant women in their second trimester can undergo the test, but it is not compulsory. An ultrasound may be a better alternative when compared to the quad test.

All pregnant women can undergo the test, but the mother should be in her second trimester, for the test to show the best results. Apart from this, there are no other criteria that a mother need to qualify in order to undergo the quad test.

There are no side effects from the test, since only a small amount of blood is needed. This sample is drawn from the mother’s arm.

The test follows a simple procedure and a small amount of the mother’s blood is drawn for it. The mother can go home immediately after the sample is collected. No guidelines need to be followed as such, but the area from where the blood is drawn should be kept clean, so as to reduce the chances of an infection.

Recovery is usually immediate and the mother can go back home as soon as the sample is collected. However, if there is an infection or irritation at the place where the blood was collected from, treatment should be sought immediately.

The price for the quad test differs from one place to another. However, it is usually limited between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 5,000.

Results of the tests are permanent, but it can only be construed as a possibility for chromosomal condition in the offspring. The test does not give any final result and is therefore no dependable to diagnose any existing condition of the baby. If the quad test shows a positive result, doctors may recommend other diagnostic tests.

Quad tests, are generally, not preferred by physicians, anymore. It was a popular medical procedure at a time when ultrasounds did not exist. However, since the invention of ultrasound technology, the popularity and usefulness of the quad test has waned. Most doctors will recommend ultrasounds during a pregnancy and such a test will help diagnose any genetic or chromosomal condition in the child.