As you make your way through your Second Trimester, the Quad Marker Screen is a blood test that is performed between Weeks 15-20 of your pregnancy. This screen determines if you are at a higher or lower risk of carrying a baby with a birth defect such as Down syndrome, Open Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) including spina bifida, or Trisomy 18. This test predicts the likelihood of several potential problems with your baby and/or carrying your baby; it does not diagnose the problem.
The Quad Marker Screen measures multiple biochemical markers in the mother’s blood that are produced by the fetus and placenta during the early second trimester. A positive screen does not provide a diagnosis, but indicates the increased risk and the need for further evaluation. It is followed by an ultrasound, which may be your Week 20 ultrasound.
Speak with your health care team to decide if you should consider having the Quad Marker Screen performed.
