Penta Screen
Test Code
Clinical Significance
Penta Screen - See available Test Resources
Test Resources
Test Details
AFP, unconjugated Estriol, hCG, Dimeric Inhibin A, ITA (hyperglycosylated hCG) and Maternal Risk Interpretation
Methodology
This test is not available for California patient testing.
Reference Range(s)
Alternative Name(s)
Preferred Specimen(s)
4 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1.5 mL
Collection Instructions
For manual orders use "Maternal Serum Screen Requisition".
The Penta Screen 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 Penta 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.
The "Maternal Serum Screen Requisition" designed to obtain patient data and the patient's informed consent must be utilized when ordering the Penta Screen test. Because the Penta 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.
Transport Container
Transport tube
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 14 days
- Refrigerated: 14 days
- Frozen: 28 days
Reject Criteria
Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic
Setup Schedule
The Penta Screen 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 Penta 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.
The "Maternal Serum Screen Requisition" designed to obtain patient data and the patient's informed consent must be utilized when ordering the Penta Screen test. Because the Penta 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.
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 28 days