Triple Screening

Today I have to pop into the Lab at my OB office to have some blood drawn for the "Triple Screening Tests." A triple screen is a blood test that measures three things called alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and unconjugated estriol. These are tests to look into whether or not the baby is at an elevated risk of a neural tube disorder or Down Syndrome. It's highly  suggested for women 35 years of age and over to take this test. It's pretty standard in North America.