Maternal Testing

Question 1

When is the triple screen test done?

Answer 1

16 weeks

Question 2

What aspects of maternal blood are tested with the triple screen?

Answer 2

MS AFP, unconjugated estrol, b hCG

Question 3

What does decreased AFP indicate?

Answer 3

T21 or T18

Question 4

What can increased AFP indicate?

Answer 4

Other birth defects/abnormalities

Question 5

Where is MS AFP mostly produced?

Answer 5

Fetal liver, GI tract, kidneys and placenta. Also by the yolk sac

Question 6

What produces b hCG?

Answer 6

Trophoblast

Question 7

What could cause hCG to increase?

Answer 7

Multiple pregnancies, molar pregnancies, wrong dates, T21

Question 8

Where is unconjugated estrol produced?

Answer 8

Placenta

Question 9

What are decreased levels of unconjugated estrol markers for?

Answer 9

T21 and T18

Question 10

What are the levels of MS AFP, B hCG and UE3 (unconjugated estrol) in T18?

Answer 10

All decreased

Question 11

What are the levels of MS AFP, B hCG and UE3 (unconjugated estrol) in T21?

Answer 11

All decreased except B hCG

Question 12

Which trisomy is not predicted with the triple screen?

Answer 12

T13

Question 13

What is the difference between the quad and triple screen?

Answer 13

Quad screen- adds inhibin A

Question 14

What is the NIPT?

Answer 14

Blood work at 10 weeks LMP

Question 15

What is chorionic villi sampling (CVS)

Answer 15

Captures cells for testing (transcervical or transabdominal)

Question 16

Which gives faster results and obtains more DNA- amniocentesis or CVS

Answer 16

CVS

Question 17

What’s the most common reason to perform an amnio?

Answer 17

To look at chromosomes

Question 18

When is a CVS performed?

Answer 18

10-13 weeks