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Double Marker Test - Early Pregnancy Screening
What is a Double Marker Test?
A double marker or dual marker test is advised to pregnant women to identify any chromosomal irregularities in the fetus. Chromosomal defects are said to cause developmental deformities in the baby and affect the baby’s health even after that, though it’s a bit rare. It is also used to detect conditions like Edward’s syndrome or Down’s syndrome in the baby. The test is conducted in the first trimester, usually between the 9th-14th week of pregnancy and involves a blood test.
Who has to undergo the Double Marker test?
The test is obviously meant for pregnant women but a certain class of pregnant women need this test more than others. Here are some factors that are taken into consideration by the medical professionals while prescribing the test:
» If the woman is over the age of 35 years
» Family history of congenital disabilities
» History of diabetes in the family
Double Marker Test Procedure
This is essentially a blood test. A blood sample from the pregnant patient is taken and tested for the levels of Beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin hormone) and PAAP (Pregnancy-associated Plasma protein). The levels of these elements in the blood will help identify if there are any neurological or Chromosome defects with the baby. It is also possible that ultrasound is done as a part of the test before taking the blood sample.
How to prepare for the test?
The test is pretty similar to most blood tests and does not require any elaborate prep. But it is imperative that you inform the doctor about the medications you are taking and any allergies you might have. Depending on the information provided, you might be asked to skip the medications before the test.
FAQs about Double Marker test
This test is done to detect any Chromosomal or neurological defects in the unborn child.
The test is usually done in the first trimester of the pregnancy between the 8th-14th week of pregnancy.
Though there are no confirmed factors that would put one at risk. Women over the age of 35 or those with a family history of such birth defects are said to be at a higher risk of testing positive for the result.
A Free-beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin range for all age groups around 25700 to 288000 mlU per ml. This is considered to be the normal range for the test results.
The cost of the Double Marker test depends on the kind of establishment you are opting for. But the average cost of the test lies somewhere between Rs.2,500 and can go up to Rs.4,000.
If the results are positive for the Double Marker test, then the doctor will recommend a few more tests to further confirm the probability of the child having any disorder.
If the Double Marker test results are negative it means that the risk of your baby having any chromosomal or neurological defects is very less.