A mother’s pregnancy is a lovely time in her life. A number of tests are performed throughout pregnancy. A double marker test is one such test done during pregnancy.With all the developments in science, technology, and medicine, it is now simpler to follow a baby’s development from conception to birth. In order to monitor the baby’s development and look for any potential abnormalities.
You may begin to wonder about the appearance of your unborn kid as the first trimester of your pregnancy draws to a close. While these details won’t be known until after the baby is delivered, a number of non-invasive procedures are advised to determine the foetus’ stage of development. One such test that the doctor might have you take is the double marker test.
What Does a Double Marker Pregnancy Test Entail?
The double marker test, sometimes referred to as the maternal serum screening, is typically included in the initial screening carried out during the first trimester. It assists you in determining the likelihood of issues such chromosomal abnormalities or defects in the unborn child’s health.
As you cannot say with certainty whether the results are valid or not, this test falls under the category of predictive tests. However, because it ensures that any type of neurological disease, such as Down syndrome or Edward’s syndrome, is checked for, it is a beneficial test to aid expecting couples in determining the health of their foetus.
Why are double-marker tests administered?
Not every woman is required to have the double marker test-containing first-trimester screening. However, it is advised for people over the age of 35 or those who are at a higher risk of developing chromosomal issues. These persons are the ones that have a history of these problems in their families. It’s important to keep in mind that this test won’t reveal whether your kid has any abnormalities when taking it. Instead, it informs you of the likelihood that your unborn child will experience specific defects.
Here’s why medical professionals advise pregnant couples to go for the double marker test:
You can ascertain the status of your foetus’ trisomy of chromosome number 13, which results in mental abnormalities in children.
It can assist in identifying the chromosomal 21 abnormality that causes Down syndrome.
This test can establish a mother’s risk status at any point throughout her pregnancy.
The couple has adequate time to assess their condition and decide whether to continue the pregnancy if the results are positive.
Normal Values for a Double Marker Test
For women of all ages, the typical range for the double marker test for hCG is 25700-288000 mIU/ml. While 1 MoM is the double marker test’s typical value for PAPP-A in females of all ages.
What Are The Procedure’s Advantages?
The advantages of double marker test screening include its assistance in identifying the potential for chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus.
It aids the physician in determining whether the foetus is at risk for mental illness.
It is the main procedure for identifying Down syndrome.
Trisomy 18, which can result in mental disorders and birth abnormalities, is found using this test.
This test aids in the identification of trisomy 21, which may result in mental and cardiac issues for the unborn child as well as health issues with other crucial organs.
What Does a Double Marker Test Cost?
The price of the double marker test will vary depending on your country and city, as it is only offered in a limited number of cities. However, the typical price in India might range from 2,500 to 3,500 rupees.
NT Scan and Double Marker Test Distinctions
The double marker test is a blood test, whereas the NT scan is an ultrasound examination. There are no notable variations between the two tests outside the methodology. The doctor advises performing both tests during your first-trimester screening for the most reliable findings. Both tests are advised during the first trimester. In fact, if a double marker test is not done after the NT scan, it is thought to be worthless.
What Can Health-e Do To Help You?
Pregnancy management is not simple. You must attend your scheduled doctor’s appointments in addition to attempting to manage your morning sickness, severe mood swings, swollen feet, and other pregnancy-related symptoms. Additionally, holding a lot of old medical records will just make you more confused and anxious. Throughout your pregnancy and after the birth of your child, Health-e can be your ideal medical companion!
By digitising your medical information and streamlining subsequent doctor visits, you can take control of your health. By compiling all of your health information in one location, our digital health locker reimagines healthcare. So stop using the old, cumbersome medical files, folders, and records and start using the new system!
NT Scan vs. the Double Marker Test
The double marker test and the ultrasound NT scan are carried out concurrently in the first trimester to provide test findings that are more accurate. Combining these tests can increase the accuracy with which chromosomal abnormalities are detected. The NT scan also aids in obtaining a clearer image of the infant so that you can see and gauge the size of the clear area at the back of the neck as well as examine the development of the nasal bone, which may indicate trisomy.
FAQs
When should a double marker test be performed?
It’s not required to take the double marker test. As part of their first trimester screening, the double marker test is advised for pregnant women over 35 with a family history of chromosomal or neurological problems.
How is the two-marker test carried out?
A simple blood test performed in a lab is the double marker test. Before taking the test, nothing can be consumed. The results of the test can be received in three days to a week.
Is it possible to perform the double marker test beyond 14 weeks of pregnancy?
Doctors advise performing the double marker test between 9 and 13 weeks during pregnancy. If you miss that window, you can still do the quadruple marker test, commonly known as the risk assessment test, between 15 and 21 weeks into your pregnancy.
How can I understand a report from a double marker test?
The ratio form of the test findings ranges from 1:10 to 1:250. A low likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities suggests the results are low-risk or screen-negative. And if the screening results are positive (moderate or high risk), your kid is likely to have a chromosomal issue. In this case, the physician might advise performing additional, invasive testing to confirm.
What distinguishes a double marker test from a triple marker test?
Both tests are performed to determine whether the foetus has any abnormalities but are not definitive. The time period and hormones that are evaluated, however, are where the primary differences between the two lie.
A two-marker test
PAPP-A and free beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-hCG) are the hormones that are examined in this test, which is carried out between 9 and 13 weeks of pregnancy for greater accuracy.
Triple Marker Test:Â
Three hormones—alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and estriol—are examined during this test. Ideal timing for the triple marker test is between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.
