What is actually done in the triple test?
Triple test measures the levels of three things in blood: 1. HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin , produced by placenta) 2. AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein, produced by fetus) 3. Estriol (It’s the estrogen produced by both placenta and the fetus) An increased level of AFP suggests the possibility of baby having a neural tube defect like anencephaly or spina bifida. On the other hand, low levels of AFP and deranged levels of HCG usually indicate that the baby has some chromosomal abnormalities like Downs or Edward syndrome. Such a child will be mentally retarded. The triple test thus tells about the level of risk. What is done to confirm the diagnosis? If the risk is high, then the triple test is usually followed by amniocentesis. Here, fluid is taken out from the amniotic sac which surrounds the fetus. Ultrasound is also used for diagnostic purposes. What is done after the diagnosis is confirmed? Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor and parents have to decide whether the pregnancy should b
