Maternal Serum Screen (AFP, hCG, Estriol, Inhibin)
Test Code
QUAD Screen
Associations
AFP, hCG, Estriol, Inhibin
Methodology
The QUAD screen is a referred test
CPT Codes
82105 - AFP
84702 - hCG
82677 - Estriol
86336 - Inhibin A
84702 - hCG
82677 - Estriol
86336 - Inhibin A
Turnaround Time
2-3 days
Specimen Requirements
- One 7.0 mL serum separator tube or plain red
- Separate serum from cells ASAP - 3.0 mL serum (min. 1.0 mL).
- Specimen must be drawn between 14 weeks, 0 days and 24 weeks, 6 days gestation.
The following information is required and must accompany the sample for test interpretation: patient's date of birth, current weight, due date, dating method (US, LMP), number of fetuses present, patient's race, if the patient requires insulin, if there is a known family history of neural tube defects, if the patient has had a previous pregnancy with a chromosome abnormality, if the patient is taking valproic acid or carbamazepine (Tegretol®), physician's name and phone number; and for in vitro fertilization pregnancies, the age of the egg donor.
Specimen Stability
After separation from cells:
Ambient: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 1 week
Frozen: 1 year
Storage & Handling
Ship at refrigerated temperature of on dry ice.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens exposed to repeated freeze/thaw cycles; Hemolyzed specimens; Incorrect anticoagulant: Heparin, EDTA, Citrate plasma
Reference Range
By report: includes AFP, hCG, Estriol, and Inhibin A.
Intervals are based upon weeks of gestation.
Description
This test is used to screen for fetal risk of Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18 and open neural tube defect (ONTD, spina bifida).
