The Quadruple Marker Test in Kolkata: What Expecting Parents Should Know
Published on February 06, 2025
In Kolkata, the quadruple marker test has become increasingly popular among expecting parents who want a better understanding of their baby’s development to ensure the health of their unborn child. But what exactly does it do, and why is it so important?
Read on to find out.
This blog will explain all you need to know about the quadruple marker test in Kolkata. Plus, if you want to know if a clinic offers a budget-friendly quadruple test cost in Kolkata, we will reveal the best reliable medical centre that offers this test at an affordable price.
What is a Quadruple Marker Test?
The quadruple marker test (commonly called a quadruple test or quadruple screen) is a blood test performed during pregnancy. It is a non-invasive screening test that measures and checks for four specific substances in a pregnant woman’s blood. These substances include:
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): A protein produced by the baby.
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): A hormone produced by the placenta.
- Estriol: A form of oestrogen (hormone) produced by the baby and placenta.
- Inhibin-A: A hormone produced by the placenta
When to Get the Quadruple Marker Test in Kolkata
The quadruple marker test is typically performed during the second trimester of pregnancy, between the 15th and 20th week. If you are pregnant, the best time to get this test is around 16 to 18 weeks of your pregnancy, as this is when the markers in your blood are most accurately detected. However, it’s important to consult your doctor to determine the ideal timing based on your specific health needs and medical history.
In Kolkata, as elsewhere, this test is recommended for pregnant women who have an increased risk of certain chromosomal conditions or genetic conditions. It is also suggested for those women who want to screen or check for other baby developmental issues or birth defects like spina bifida.
Most doctors also recommend a quadruple test in Kolkata if a pregnant woman:
- has a family history of birth defects.
- is over 35 years of age.
- has taken certain medications that could harm the baby.
- has had a viral infection during pregnancy.
- has been exposed to high levels of radiation.
- has a twin or triplet pregnancy.
What Conditions Does the Quadruple Marker Test Screen For?
A quadruple marker test in Kolkata can provide valuable insights into the baby’s development and help identify potential health issues or conditions early on.
Some of the key health conditions or problems it screens for include:
Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21):
This is a genetic condition that affects the physical growth and intellectual development of the baby.
Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18):
This is another but more severe chromosomal disorder that affects the development of the baby.
Neural Tube Defects (like Spina Bifida):
Conditions like spina bifida are linked to abnormal development of the spine and spinal cord. The test can screen for these conditions by measuring AFP levels to assess the risk of issues in the baby’s brain and spinal cord development.
Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13):
Though rare, this condition involves severe intellectual disabilities and physical abnormalities in the baby.
Turner Syndrome:
This condition, which affects only females, results in missing or partially missing X chromosomes. The quadruple marker test can provide clues about this possibility.
Pregnancy Health Issues:
Beyond screening for conditions in the baby, the test can also signal issues in pregnancy, like placental insufficiency or other complications that may need closer monitoring.
Although the quadruple test can’t diagnose all of these health problems outright (since it is not a diagnostic tool but a screening test), it provides a risk assessment and valuable insights into the likelihood of these conditions that may guide doctors and parents to take further tests or precautions if necessary.
Why Should You Consider the Quadruple Test in Kolkata?
We understand that pregnancy can be a time of anxiety, uncertainty, and full of questions for the expecting parents. But this is where a quadruple marker test in Kolkata can offer a sense of reassurance and help answer some of the most important questions about the potential risks to your baby during pregnancy. If you get this test, it can allow you to:
- Prepare for specialised care if needed.
- Make informed decisions about additional diagnostic tests.
- Take steps to handle any identified risks during pregnancy.
- Manage your pregnancy and ensure the best health outcomes for you and your baby.
How Much Does a Quadruple Test Cost in Kolkata?
The quadruple marker test price in Kolkata can vary depending on several factors, such as your choice of medical clinic, the complexity of the test, the technology used by the clinic, and whether you need any follow-up consultations.
On average, the quadruple test price in Kolkata tends to be affordable, especially when you choose a reliable diagnostic centre like Quadra Diagnostics.
At Quadra Diagnostics, we ensure our services have affordable and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. While our exact quadruple test cost in Kolkata depends on your specific requirements and the urgency of the test, we always aim to keep our services accessible while maintaining the highest standards of care, quality, and accuracy.
For the latest information about our quadruple test price in Kolkata, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to provide details and help you book your test.