Quadruple Marker Test in Kathmandu

About this test

The Quadruple Marker is a second-trimester maternal blood test that estimates the chance of three specific conditions in your baby: Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and open neural-tube defects such as spina bifida. It measures four substances produced by the baby and placenta — alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta-hCG, unconjugated oestriol (uE3), and inhibin A. The laboratory feeds these four values, together with your age, weight, exact gestational age, and any diabetes or twin pregnancy, into validated software that returns a risk figure rather than a simple positive or negative. It is best performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, ideally around 16–18 weeks, which is why the dating scan report matters so much; even a one-week error in gestation can shift the result. Doctors in Kathmandu often offer it to women who book antenatal care late and miss the first-trimester combined (NT) screening window, and to those who prefer not to undergo invasive testing straight away. It is important to understand that this is a screening test, not a diagnosis — a "high-risk" result does not mean the baby is affected, and most such mothers go on to have healthy babies. A screen-positive result simply guides whether further counselling, a detailed anomaly ultrasound, NIPT, or a diagnostic amniocentesis should be discussed. A raised AFP alone may also point to a neural-tube defect needing a careful scan.

Sample type

Blood (serum)

Preparation

No fasting required. Please bring your dating scan report and tell us your exact gestational age in weeks and days, your date of birth, your weight, and whether you have diabetes or are carrying twins — these details are essential for an accurate risk calculation.

Turnaround time

Reports for Quadruple Marker are typically ready within: 3rd Working Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other hormones tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Quadruple Marker or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.