spina bifida test

quadruple ion


It is a blood test done during pregnancy to determine if the baby is at risk of having certain birth defects.
How the test is performed

This test is almost always done between weeks 15 and 22 of pregnancy, but is more accurate between weeks 16 and 18.

A blood sample is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

The test measures the levels of 4 pregnancy hormones:

    Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): a protein produced by the baby
    Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG): a hormone produced in the placenta
    Free Estriol (uE3): a form of the hormone estrogen produced in the fetus and the placenta
    Inhibin A, a hormone secreted by the placenta

If the test does not measure inhibin A levels, it is called a triple screening test.

To determine the possibility that your baby has a congenital defect, the test also takes into account factors such as:

    Your age
    Your ethnic background
    His weight
    Your baby's gestational age (measured in weeks from the day of your last period to the current date)

Venipuncture

It is the collection of blood from a vein. In most cases, it is done for laboratory analysis.
How the test is performed

Most of the time, blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.

    The site is cleaned with a disinfectant (antiseptic).
    An elastic band is placed around the upper arm in order to apply pressure in the area. This causes the vein to fill with blood.
    A needle is inserted into the vein.
    The blood is collected in an airtight vial or in a tube attached to the needle.
    The elastic band is removed from the arm.
    The needle is removed and the site is covered with a bandage to stop bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp instrument called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood is collected on a slide or on a test strip. A bandage can be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.