What is Double Marker Test? Double marker test is a specific type of blood test which is performed in the first trimester of pregnancy, usually during 11-14 weeks of gestation. It is a rapid, non-invasive, painless and safe...
What Is Double Marker Test?
Double marker test is a specific type of blood test which is performed in the first trimester of pregnancy, usually during 11-14 weeks of gestation. It is a rapid, non-invasive, painless and safe technique for screening and assessing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities or aneuploidies in the developing fetus.
Parameters measured in this test:
Pregnancies with chromosomal defects usually demonstrate either a higher or lower levels of PAPP-A and beta-hCG as compared to the normal values.
Other Names of Double Marker Test:
- Double screen test.
- Dual marker test.
- 1st trimester maternal serum screening.
Why Do I Need a Double Marker Test?
A double marker test is not mandatory for every pregnant female. Your obstetrician may recommend a double marker test for screening purpose, in case you have high risk factors for chromosomal abnormalities such as:
- Maternal age >35 years.
- Family history of chromosomal anomalies.
- History of chromosomal abnormality in previous child.
- History of radiation exposure.
- History of chronic smoking.
- Chronic diabetic mother.
- Viral infections during pregnancy.
- Maternal intake of certain drugs.
What Are the Uses of Double Marker Test?
Double marker test is a predictive test that is used for the evaluation of high-risk pregnancies. It is a component of first trimester aneuploidy screening and indicated for the screening of following conditions:
- Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Edward’s syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13).
What Are the Benefits of Double Marker Test?
The advantages of double marker test include:
- Predict the risk of chromosomal anomalies in early pregnancy.
- Determine the need for further confirmatory testings.
- Provide adequate time to the parents and doctors so as to take proper decision about whether to carry this pregnancy or terminate it.
How Do I Prepare for Double Marker Test?
Follow these simple steps if you are planning for a double marker test or 1st trimester aneuploidy screening:
- Take an appointment: Fix an appointment in a diagnostic lab having the facility of double marker test or first trimester aneuploidy screening to avoid waiting at the time of test.
- Food: You can take your usual meals. Fasting is not required for double marker test or first trimester aneuploidy screening.
- Medications: Inform your doctor about all the drugs and supplements that you are currently taking. Certain drugs may alter the test result. Your doctor may advise some modifications before the test if required.
- Take a company: Get accompanied with a family member or friend to have physical and mental support.
What Is the Procedure for Double Marker Test?
The procedure of double marker test includes the following steps:
- First a torniquet will be tied around your arm.
- Then a cotton swab soaked with 70% alcohol is used to clean/disinfect the injection site before needle insertion.
- Then a small needle will be inserted in the vein of your arm and required amount of blood is withdrawn from it and collected in a test tube.
- Then the needle is removed and an adhesive sticker is placed on the puncture site to prevent it from infections.
- Sample is sent to laboratory for further processing and testing.
Price of Double Marker Test in Delhi?
Cost of double marker test depends upon many factors such as city and locality. Different diagnostic labs charges according to the quality of machines they have and various offers that they are providing to their customers.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging centre (GDIC), Rohini also known as GDIC or Ganesh lab is currently offering 50% discounts on various blood tests including double marker test.
Our centers are NABH accredited and equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists.We follow strict aseptic conditions to prevent transmission of infections.
Charges of various tests used for the screening, evaluation and diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities or structural defects in the baby at Ganesh lab are as following:
- Screening Tests:
Double Marker Test (hCG, PAPP-A)
Rs 2850 - Rs 1425 Book Now
Triple marker test (AFP, hCG, Unconjugated estriol)
Rs 3000 - Rs 1500 Book Now
Quadruple marker test (AFP, hCG, Unconjugated estriol & Inhibin A)
Rs 4250 - Rs 2125 Book Now
- Diagnostic tests:
Amniocentesis
Rs 13650 – Rs 6825 Book Now
CVS (Chorionic villus sampling)
Rs 14300 - Rs 7150 Book Now
Cordocentesis or PUBS (Percutaneous Umbilical blood Sampling)
Rs 4140 - Rs 2075 Book Now
Hurry! Grab the best deals now!
For more details visit your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) today or call us now!
- To avail free online consultation with Pathologist. Click here!
- To avail free online consultation with Radiologist. Click here!
- To know details about Obstetric ultrasound or ultrasound in pregnancy. Click here!
- To know more about our services. Click here!
Best Diagnostic Centre for Double Marker Test in Delhi?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is considered as the best diagnostic lab for Double Marker test in Rohini, North-East Delhi. We have many branches in different locations in Delhi including Hari Nagar, Yamuna Vihar, Nangloi, Derawal Nagar and Mangol puri.
Ganesh lab (GDIC) is now considered one of the most popular diagnostic labs in Delhi as:
- We provide high standard quality services to our patients.
- Experience of 23+ years of services.
- Our labs are NABH certified.
- Facility of latest cutting-edge technologies.
- Well-trained technicians.
- Highly Skilled Radiologists and Pathologists
- Genuine reporting and Patient satisfaction are our top priority.
- We offer seamless integration between diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Affordable Diagnostic lab with up to 50% discount on many tests. Currently, we are offering flat 50% discount on various types of pregnancy ultrasounds and blood tests.
- We are open 24X7 and 365 days.
- You can also avail free Consultation with our Pathologist regarding any blood test or imaging scans.
- We also offer facilities of online reporting, free home sample collection and free Ambulance services in Delhi, NCR.
- We are empanelled with various departments and organizations. So, you can get the services at panel rate too.
- Lakhs of satisfied customers.
Our empanellment with different departments and organisations:
- DAK
- CGHS NHA
- ECHS
- NDMC
- DELHI JAL BOARD
- RAILWAYS
- NDMC
- DGEHS
- BSES YAMUNA / RAJDHANI POWER LTD
- TATA POWER LTD
- BABA SAHEB AMBEDKAR HOSPITAL
- BJRM HOSPITAL
- BHAGWAN MAHAVIR GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL
To know details about our empanellment with different organisations. CLICK HERE!
For more details visit your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center (GDIC) today or call us now!
Frequently Asked Questions About Double Marker Test
Which sample is required for double marker test?
Blood (Serum) sample is required for double marker test.
How long does it take for double marker test report?
Double marker test or Dual marker test report is usually available within 2-3 days of sample collection.
What are the risks/side effects of double marker test?
Double marker test is a safe procedure with usually no side effects. However, some individuals may experience few side effects as mentioned below:
- Pain at injection site.
- Hematoma.
- Multiple punctures to locate vein in those where veins are not easily accessible.
- Bleeding at puncture site, especially patients having bleeding or clotting disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy.
- Infection at puncture site.
- Thrombophlebitis.
Normal double marker test report analysis?
Normal range of double markers may vary slightly from lab to lab as different labs follow different references. Usually, the normal range for double markers according to the week of gestation can be summarized as following:
|
Weeks of gestation |
Free beta-hCG Reference interval |
PAPP-A Reference interval |
|
8th week |
53-104 ng/mL |
<0.99 mIU/mL |
|
9th week |
30.5-213 ng/mL |
<1.39 mIU/mL |
|
10th week |
17.4-145 ng/mL |
<1.95 mIU/mL |
|
11th week |
14.9-107 ng/mL |
<2.75 mIU/mL |
|
12th week |
12.3-99.6 ng/mL |
<3.86 mIU/mL |
|
13th week |
11.2-88.6 ng/mL |
<5.43 mIU/mL |
Description of terms used:
ng/mL: Nanogram Per Milliliter.
mIU/mL: Milli International Units Per Milliliter.
How to interpret an abnormal double marker test report?
A double marker test is used to measure the levels of Beta-hCG and PAPP-A in maternal serum. It is usually done in conjunction with NT (Nuchal Translucency) scan, together called the 1st trimester aneuploidy screening. Both are screening tests and abnormal results indicate an increased risk of chromosomal anomalies.
Usually, double markers are measured taking biological reference interval as per the gestational age and results are expressed in the form of ratios. Results can be summarized as following:
|
Calculated Ratio |
Allocated Category |
Interpretation of Result |
|
1:10 to 1:250 |
Moderate-High Risk or Positive |
1 in every 10 to 1 in every 250 pregnancies have a risk of chromosomal abnormalities. |
|
1:1000 or above |
Low Risk or Negative |
1 in every 1000 pregnancies have a risk of chromosomal abnormalities. |
Description of terms used:
Beta-hCG: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin.
PAPP-A: Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A.
What tests are included in first trimester aneuploidy screening?
First trimester aneuploidy screening is performed between 11-14 weeks of gestation. It is a combination of maternal serum evaluation and a sonographic evaluation that includes:
- Dual Marker test: It measures free beta-hCG and PAPP-A in maternal serum.
- Nuchal translucency (NT) scan: It demonstrates the maximum thickness of subcutaneous translucent area between the skin and soft tissue which is overlying the fetal spine at the back of the neck of baby. Increased nuchal translucency indicates an elevated risk of chromosomal aneuploidy and structural anomalies in the baby.
What is PAPP-A?
PAPP-A stands for pregnancy associated plasma protein-A. it is secreted by the placenta. PAPP-A level increases in the maternal serum with increasing gestational age and decreases rapidly after delivery.
It plays an important role in regulating IGF (Insulin Like growth factor) bioavailability which is crucial for the normal growth and development of baby.
Uses of PAPP-A:
- Used for screening down syndrome in early pregnancy.
- Along with other markers, it predicts the probability of occurrence of early onset pre-eclampsia.
High levels of beta-hCG are detected in which conditions?
An elevated or high level of beta-hCG can be detected in the following conditions:
- Multiple pregnancy
- Molar pregnancy
- Choriocarcinoma
- Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
- Rh isoimmunization
- Trisomy 21.
Low levels of beta-hCG are detected in which conditions?
A reduced or low level of beta-hCG can be detected in the following conditions:
- Missed abortion
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Impending abortion
- Trisomy 18.
Can double marker test confirm chromosomal defects in the baby?
Double marker test or dual marker test is a screening test and not a confirmatory test. It is usually done in conjunction with NT scan, together called as first trimester aneuploidy screening. An abnormal double marker test results implies:
- A high suspicion/risk of chromosomal defects in baby.
- Need for additional confirmatory tests.
What are the other tests available for screening chromosomal defects?
Some markers and imaging tests can be used for screening of chromosomal anomalies or structural defects in baby during pregnancy including:
- Triple marker test: It measures AFP, beta-hCG and unconjugated estrogen (estriol or E3) in the maternal serum. It is usually done in 2nd trimester of pregnancy.
- Quadruple marker test: It measures AFP, beta-hCG, Unconjugated estrogen (Estriol or E3) and inhibin-A in the maternal serum. It is done in 2nd trimester of pregnancy.re-natal ultrasound: Some ultrasound scans can be used for screening chromosomal anomalies and structural defects in the baby such as:
- NT NB scan (Nuchal Translucency Nasal Bone scan): It is commonly performed in conjunction with dual marker test in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
- Anomaly scan or TIFFA scan or Level 2 ultrasound: It is performed in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy.
How chromosomal or structural defects are diagnosed during pregnancy?
Chromosomal abnormalities or structural defects can be diagnosed in pregnancy with the help of the following tests:
- CVS (Chorionic villus sampling): Performed in 10-13 weeks of gestation using chorionic villi (trophoblastic cells).
- Amniocentesis: Performed in 16-20 weeks of gestation using amniotic fluid.
- Cordocentesis or PUBS (Percutaneous Umbilical blood Sampling).
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