What is evaluated during the quadruple test?

The quadruple test is utilized in prenatal screening to assess the risk of certain fetal conditions, including Down syndrome and neural tube defects. This blood test typically measures four specific markers: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estriol, and inhibin A.

By incorporating inhibin A into the traditional triple test, which already includes AFP, hCG, and estriol, the quadruple test enhances the accuracy of these screenings. Inhibin A plays a crucial role because its levels can provide additional information about chromosomal abnormalities and improve the sensitivity of the test when evaluating the risk for conditions such as Down syndrome.

The combination of these four markers in the quadruple test helps to provide a more comprehensive risk assessment compared to the triple test alone, leading to more informed clinical decisions and management plans for expecting mothers.