What is a quad screen?

Quad screen is a blood test performed on a mother usually in the second trimester of pregnancy, between the 15th and 20th week. This test is looking for four specific substances in the blood to eliminate any potential genetic defects with a child like Down's syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that can, among other things, cause mental delay and delay in development. Down syndrome can range from mild to heavy and cause lifelong challenges to child and family members.

Quad screen requires a blood test. Blood is analyzed in the laboratory for four specific substances, AFP, HCG, Estriol and inhibin-A. It is an inhibin-a that increases the chances of identifying children with a higher risk of Down syndrome. Human chorionic gonadotrophin, or HCG, is a hormone produced in the placenta. Estriol is estrogen produced in the child and placenta and inhibin-A is a protein produced in the placenta and Ján ovarci. Abnormal amount of HCG and Estiol in combination with reduced AFP levels may indicate that the childIt is endangered by Down syndrome. The increased level of AFP may mean that the child is threatened by the development of defects such as bifida or anencephalia.

Bifida spina is a disorder where the nerve tube or spinal cord and its covers did not completely develop. On some occasions, bifida spina may cause hydrocephalus, the accumulation of fluids on the brain. Anencephaly, on the other hand, is a disorder where the nerve tube has not completely developed near the head. This can lead to the absence of parts of the brain, skull or scalp

Risk factors of mothers, which need to be considered in addition to the four -member screens, such as a family history of congenital defects and pregnancy after 35 years. The use of drugs or medicines may also have an impact because it can already exist, such as diabetes. Even things such as exposure to radiation or viral infection during pregnancy may increase the risk factor.

quad screen is not diagnostic oron the identification test. It simply examines risk factors. This means that the abnormal quad screen may or may not result in a child with a genetic disorder. If risk factors are high, further testing may be needed to assess the possibility of genetic disorder. Ultrasound and amniocentesis are a standard procedure for an abnormal quad screen.