Quad Screen
Test Summary
Maternal serum Quad Screen is used for prenatal screening of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and open neural tube defects (ONTD). This profile includes alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), unconjugated estriol (µE3), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and inhibin A. Establishing risk for fetal Down syndrome, using the quad screen achieves a 70-75% detection rate with a 5% false positive rate. Screening for Trisomy 18 detects 60% of affected fetuses with a 0.2% false positive rate. MSAFP screening detects 88% of anencephaly and 79% of open spina bifida with a 3% false positive rate. Normal results do not ensure birth of a normal infant. In addition, 2-3% of newborns have some type of physical or mental defect, many of which may be undetectable with current prenatal diagnostic procedures.
Aliases
- QUAD Marker, Maternal Serum Screen 4, TETRA Profile, AFP/4 Screebn, AFP TETRA, Quad Screen
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
3 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
The Quad test in pregnant women should be performed between 14.0 and 22.9 weeks gestational age, although the optimal period is 15.0-16.9 weeks. This time frame allows sufficient opportunity for further diagnostic studies if the initial Quad Screen test results are abnormal. Specimens submitted before 14.0 weeks or after 22.9 weeks gestation cannot be properly evaluated for open neural tube defects, Down Syndrome or Trisomy 18.
Note: For manual orders use "Maternal Serum Screen Requisition"
The Maternal Serum Screen Requisition designed to obtain patient data and the patient's informed consent must be utilized when ordering the Quad Screen test. Because the Quad Screen test results are influenced by certain patient characteristics, the following data must be provided with the specimen in order to permit accurate interpretation of results: date of collection, patient's (maternal) date of birth, patient's estimated date of delivery, patient's weight, patient's race, patient's diabetic status (is patient insulin dependent prior to pregnancy), number of fetuses, and whether this is a repeat sample.
Note: For manual orders use "Maternal Serum Screen Requisition"
The Maternal Serum Screen Requisition designed to obtain patient data and the patient's informed consent must be utilized when ordering the Quad Screen test. Because the Quad Screen test results are influenced by certain patient characteristics, the following data must be provided with the specimen in order to permit accurate interpretation of results: date of collection, patient's (maternal) date of birth, patient's estimated date of delivery, patient's weight, patient's race, patient's diabetic status (is patient insulin dependent prior to pregnancy), number of fetuses, and whether this is a repeat sample.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
N/A
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature = 14 days
- Refrigerated = 14 days
- Frozen = 28 days
Limitations
Quad Screen results consistent with an increased risk of trisomy should be confirmed with amniotic fluid specimen. Results consistent with increased risk of NTD may be followed-up with appropriate diagnostic testing as detailed in the report. Maternal serum screening yields a low percentage of false negatives. A wide range of other chromosomal abnormalities are not identified by maternal serum screening.
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Gross hemolysis • Gross lipemia
Order Code
MSQUAD
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB024
Includes
AFP, unconjugated Estriol, hCG, Dimeric Inhibin A and Maternal Risk Interpretation
CPT Code
- 81511 - **This test is not available for California and New York patient testing. For New York patient testing use test code 16333.**
Billing Code
- 671154
CPT Statement
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano CA, 92675
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano CA, 92675
Department
Reference Testing
Reference Range
See Laboratory Report
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday; Report available: 3 - 4 days
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
3 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
The Quad test in pregnant women should be performed between 14.0 and 22.9 weeks gestational age, although the optimal period is 15.0-16.9 weeks. This time frame allows sufficient opportunity for further diagnostic studies if the initial Quad Screen test results are abnormal. Specimens submitted before 14.0 weeks or after 22.9 weeks gestation cannot be properly evaluated for open neural tube defects, Down Syndrome or Trisomy 18.
Note: For manual orders use "Maternal Serum Screen Requisition"
The Maternal Serum Screen Requisition designed to obtain patient data and the patient's informed consent must be utilized when ordering the Quad Screen test. Because the Quad Screen test results are influenced by certain patient characteristics, the following data must be provided with the specimen in order to permit accurate interpretation of results: date of collection, patient's (maternal) date of birth, patient's estimated date of delivery, patient's weight, patient's race, patient's diabetic status (is patient insulin dependent prior to pregnancy), number of fetuses, and whether this is a repeat sample.
Note: For manual orders use "Maternal Serum Screen Requisition"
The Maternal Serum Screen Requisition designed to obtain patient data and the patient's informed consent must be utilized when ordering the Quad Screen test. Because the Quad Screen test results are influenced by certain patient characteristics, the following data must be provided with the specimen in order to permit accurate interpretation of results: date of collection, patient's (maternal) date of birth, patient's estimated date of delivery, patient's weight, patient's race, patient's diabetic status (is patient insulin dependent prior to pregnancy), number of fetuses, and whether this is a repeat sample.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
N/A
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature = 14 days
- Refrigerated = 14 days
- Frozen = 28 days
Limitations
Quad Screen results consistent with an increased risk of trisomy should be confirmed with amniotic fluid specimen. Results consistent with increased risk of NTD may be followed-up with appropriate diagnostic testing as detailed in the report. Maternal serum screening yields a low percentage of false negatives. A wide range of other chromosomal abnormalities are not identified by maternal serum screening.
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Gross hemolysis • Gross lipemia
Billing
CPT Code
- 81511 - **This test is not available for California and New York patient testing. For New York patient testing use test code 16333.**
Billing Code
- 671154
CPT Statement
Result Information
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
See Laboratory Report
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday; Report available: 3 - 4 days