Triple test is a maternal blood screening test that looks for three specific substances: AFP, hCG, and Estriol. ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN: AFP is synthesized in the yolk sac, gastrointestinal tract and liver of the fetus. Fetal plasma levels peak at 10 to 13 weeks’ gestation and decline progressively until term, while maternal levels peak in the third trimester. Laboratory measurements of AFP levels are reported as multiples of the median (MOM). HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN: A complex glycoprotein, hCG is produced exclusively by the syncytiotrophoblast shortly after implantation into the uterine wall. It increases Rapidly in the first eight weeks of gestation.9 It then decreases steadily until 20 weeks, when it plateaus. Maternal weight and parity affect hCG levels. An increased hCG level appears to be the most sensitive marker for detecting trisomy 21. A low hCG level is associated with trisomy 18. The hCG levels are normal in NTDs. UNCONJUGATED ESTRIOL: Unconjugated estriol is produced by the placenta from precursors provided by the fetal adrenal glands and the liver.6 It increases steadily throughout pregnancy to a higher level than is normally produced by the ovaries. Unconjugated estriol levels are decreased in trisomy 21 and trisomy 18.Read more

• 8-12 hour fasting is mandatory.

• The Ceruloplasmin Test price varies by city and healthcare provider, starting from ₹750 to ₹1460