What are the chances of a false positive on a triple screen test?

Answer by  jalucia (936)

The triple screen test is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. The test only signals a possibility that there could be a genetic disorder present, therefore, further testing is warranted. There is a high percentage of false positives with this test. It has been documented in some places that it has a false positive rate of 5%.

Answer by  SashaDarkCloud (5764)

Actually, they can be very high chance that you have a false positive. There are many factors that can throw it off since it measure hormones in the mother's blood.

Answer by  11worker (86)

Research claims that there is a 5-8% false positive rate. Blood test results are not the only factor used in determining your chances of having a child with abnormalities. Your age, ethnicity, health (diabetic), etc. are also used. The Triple Screen Test is becoming obsolete being replaced by the Quad Test, which is more sensitive.

Answer by  Ali41 (1593)

The triple or quad screens have a fairly high false positive rate. However, don't despair. The next step your doctor will likely take is to have you go to a level two ultrasound. In this test, they will look carefully at how the baby has formed to determine problems.