Description

What is a quad screen?
During your pregnancy, you’ll see your pregnancy care provider every few weeks. Some visits include blood tests and other screenings to keep a close eye on the fetus’s health. The quad screen, or quad marker screen, is one test you may have during your second trimester.

The quad screen is a simple blood test that your provider may do between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. It can help your healthcare provider determine if the fetus may be at risk for Down syndrome and other genetic disorders.

Why is it called a quad screen?
“Quad” means four. A quad screen measures the levels of four substances in your blood. The four substances are:

•AFP (alpha-fetoprotein).
• HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
• Estriol (a form of estrogen).
• Inhibin-A.