. The Triple Test is a prenatal screening test typically performed during the second trimester of pregnancy, usually between 16 and 18 weeks.
. It involves measuring three key biomarkers in the mother's blood: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and estriol (uE3). These markers, when combined with the mother's age and other factors, help assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and neural tube defects like spina bifida.
. While the triple test does not provide a definitive diagnosis, it offers a risk assessment, helping identify pregnancies that may require further diagnostic testing such as amniocentesis or ultrasound. The triple test is often used in combination with other screening methods such as ultrasound for biparietal diameter (BDP) to assess the risk more comprehensively.