The following describes quad screening, a type of prenatal screening. For specific information regarding your health and treatment options, please contact your Hurley physician or medical professional.

A highly specialized screening test to help evaluate the health of your unborn baby

One important screening test available to our pregnant patients is quad screening, a type of diagnostic screening tool that is performed on a blood sample obtained during the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy. A quad screening looks for four specific substances:

• AFP (alpha-fetoprotein): a protein produced by the fetus
• hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin): a hormone produced within the placenta
• Estriol: an estrogen produced by both the fetus and the placenta
• Inhibin-A: a protein produced by the placenta and ovaries

The quad screen detects about 90% of fetuses with open structural defects such as neural tube defects or abdominal wall defects, as well as approximately 60% of babies with Down syndrome and Trisomy18.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact:

Hurley Center for Maternal Fetal Medicine
Hurley Medical Center
One Hurley Plaza, 3West
Flint, MI  48503       
(810) 424-4787