Triple marker test
Quick answer: The triple marker test is a blood test in pregnancy that measures three substances (AFP, hCG and estriol) to estimate the chance of some chromosomal conditions and neural tube defects. It is offered in the second trimester, usually between about 15 and 20 weeks, when first-trimester screening was not done.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed; bring your dating scan report, as correct pregnancy dates and your weight are used in the calculation.
- In fertility careIt is a screening test in pregnancy for conditions such as Down syndrome and open neural tube defects.
How the test is done
- 1You give staff your pregnancy dates, weight and other details
- 2The skin over a vein is cleaned
- 3Blood is drawn into a tube
- 4The lab measures three markers and calculates a risk
What your results can mean
Reading your report
The report gives a risk, not a diagnosis; a higher-risk result means you may be offered further tests, so discuss it with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A higher-risk result for Down syndrome or other chromosomal conditions means further tests may be offered, and a raised AFP can point to a higher chance of an open neural tube defect. Incorrect dates, twins or an IVF pregnancy can also change the markers.
Who usually has this test
Pregnant women in the second trimester, usually between about 15 and 20 weeks, who did not have first-trimester screening.
Risks and aftercare
The blood test carries no risk to the pregnancy.
Names and options
Also called: triple test, triple screen, second trimester screening
Listed by the hospital as
- TRIPLE MARKER
Questions about this test
What is the difference between the triple and quadruple marker tests?
Both are second-trimester blood screening tests. The quadruple test adds a fourth marker, inhibin A, which makes it pick up more cases of Down syndrome than the triple test. Your doctor will suggest which one suits you.
Is the triple marker test compulsory?
No. It is a screening test you can choose to have after your doctor explains it. It gives a risk estimate, and only further tests can confirm whether a baby has a condition.
Why do my pregnancy dates matter for the triple marker test?
Marker levels change week by week in pregnancy. If the dates are wrong, the risk can be miscalculated, which is why a dating scan report is usually needed.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.