Double Marker Test

A prenatal screening test called a double marker test is performed to determine the likelihood that a foetus will have specific chromosomal abnormalities. Two indicators, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) are routinely measured in the mother's blood as part of the test (hCG). During pregnancy, these markers are created by the placenta and are found in the mother's blood. These indicators' concentrations are then utilized to determine the likelihood that the foetus may have chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. Typically, between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, this test is performed.

Double Marker Test Overview

A prenatal screening test called a double marker test is performed to determine the likelihood that a foetus will have specific chromosomal abnormalities. Two indicators, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) are routinely measured in the mother's blood as part of the test (hCG). During pregnancy, these markers are created by the placenta and are found in the mother's blood. These indicators' concentrations are then utilized to determine the likelihood that the foetus may have chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. Typically, between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, this test is performed.

Why is the Double Marker Test Done?

There are several reasons to perform the double marker test. The following provide reasons for conducting the test:

• A prenatal screening test called the double marker test determines the likelihood that a foetus may have specific chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. 
• It is typically provided to expectant mothers who are at a higher risk of giving birth to a child with chromosomal abnormalities, such as those who are older, have already had a child with an abnormality, or come from a family with such a history.
• Depending on the healthcare policy or personal preferences of the pregnant lady, it may also be performed as a standard screening test.
• The test assists in determining the need for additional testing, such as an invasive diagnostic procedure like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.
• It is often performed between weeks 11 and 13 of pregnancy.

Usually, women who are expecting and are at a higher risk of giving birth to a child with chromosomal abnormalities are given the double marker test. This may include: 

• Those who are 35 years of age or older at the time of delivery.
• Women who had a child in the past who had a chromosomal issue.
• have chromosomal abnormalities in your family.
• had an unexpected outcome from a prior prenatal screening test.
• had previously sought infertility treatment.
• are afflicted with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• feel strongly about doing so.

It is crucial to remember that this test is voluntary, and whether to get it is a personal choice that should be taken after considering the risks and advantages of a healthcare professional.

Depending on the healthcare policy or personal preferences of the pregnant woman, the test may also be provided as a standard screening test.

How Do I Prepare for The Double Marker Test?

A double marker test often does not require any extra preparation. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

• The test is normally administered between weeks 11 and 13, with weeks 11 and 2 to 13 and 1 day being the optimal times to administer it.
• You will need to fast for about 8 to 10 hours before the test because it is a straightforward blood test.
• Wearing loose clothing is also advised because your sleeves will need to be rolled up to draw blood.
• It is a good idea to let your doctor know about any current medications you are taking as well as any known drug sensitivities.
• If you have any worries or inquiries about the test, it is advised that you speak with your doctor.

You should discuss with your doctor any concerns or questions you may have about the test. It is crucial to keep in mind that the test is simply screening and not diagnostic; it will highlight the possibility of chromosomal abnormalities but not provide a conclusive diagnosis. You will be offered additional diagnostic tests, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, which can determine whether the foetus has a chromosomal problem if the test findings show an elevated risk.

What To Expect During the Double Marker Test? 

A quick blood test called the double marker test is usually administered between weeks 11 and 13 of pregnancy. What to anticipate throughout the exam is as follows:

• Before the exam, you will be required to fast for eight to ten hours.
• You will be advised to dress comfortably because you will need to pull up your sleeves to get the blood.
• Using a needle, a vial, or a syringe, a medical professional or phlebotomist will extract a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm.
• A laboratory will analyse the blood sample.
• The pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and human chorionic gonadotropin levels in the mother's blood are measured by the test (hCG). During pregnancy, the mother's blood contains these markers, which are produced by the placenta.
• The likelihood that the foetus may have chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome will be determined using the test findings.

Remember that the test is merely a screening and not a diagnostic one; it will show the possibility of chromosomal abnormalities but not provide a conclusive diagnosis. You will be offered additional diagnostic tests, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, which can determine whether the foetus has a chromosomal problem if the test findings show an elevated risk. 

Understanding The Double Marker Test Results 

The results of the double marker test will show whether the foetus is at risk for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. Instead of providing a firm diagnosis, the outcomes are sometimes expressed as a "chance" or "risk" that the foetus will have the illness. 

Typically, the outcomes are described as "screen-positive" or "screen-negative" results. Further diagnostic testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, may be recommended if a screen-positive result indicates an elevated risk of chromosomal abnormalities. The absence of a screen-negative result indicates that there is no increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities.