Double Marker Test In Pregnancy: First Trimester Test

A Double Marker Test is a type of test that is mainly given to pregnant women to determine any chromosomal malformation in the foetus.

 

Double Marker Test

Here are the basic details for Double Marker Test.

Also Known As	DMT Test
Type	Free Beta hCG
Purpose	Determine Chromosomal Malformation in Foetus
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	No
Gender	Female
Age-Group	18+
Normal Value	25700 - 288000 mIU/ml
Reporting Time	48 hrs
Cost	1500 - 2500* INR

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

Double Marker Test in Pregnancy

• The Double Marker Test is a prenatal screening test that measures the levels of two substances in the mother's blood: pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
• The test is typically offered to women who are between 10-14 weeks pregnant.

 

Double Marker Test Means

• The Double marker test is used to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, specifically Down Syndrome and Trisomy 18.
• Abnormal levels of PAPP-A and hCG can indicate an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
• The test is not diagnostic, but rather a screening tool to identify those at higher risk.
• If the test results indicate an increased risk, further diagnostic testing such as amniocentesis may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

 

Double Marker Test Purpose

• The Double Marker Test is a prenatal screening test performed on pregnant women.
• The test is designed to detect the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, particularly Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edward Syndrome (Trisomy 18).
• The test measures the levels of two pregnancy-specific hormones in the maternal blood - Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) and Free Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Free β-hCG).
• The test helps in identifying high-risk pregnancies and deciding whether further diagnostic testing is required.

 

 

Double Marker Test Preparation

Here are the key points about preparation for, during, and after the Double Marker Test:

 

Before the Test

• No specific preparation is required before the Double Marker Test.
• However, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may affect the test results.

 

During the Test

• The Double Marker Test involves a simple blood draw from the mother's arm.
• The blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

 

After the Test

• No specific aftercare is required following the Double Marker Test.
• Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results of the test.
• If the test results indicate an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, further diagnostic testing such as amniocentesis may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
• If the test results are normal, no further action may be required.

 

Double Marker Test Procedure

• The test involves drawing a blood sample from the mother's arm, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• The test measures the levels of two specific substances in the mother's blood - pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (free beta-hCG).
• The test results are usually available within a week or two, depending on the laboratory processing time.
• A healthcare provider will review the test results with the mother and discuss any further testing or follow-up that may be necessary based on the results.

 

Double Marker Test Result

• The interpretation of the Double Marker Test results can be complex and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
• The test results are evaluated based on the levels of PAPP-A and hCG in the mother's blood, with abnormal levels indicating an increased risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities.
• The specific interpretation of the test results can vary depending on factors such as maternal age and other risk factors, and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for individualized recommendations.

 

Double Marker Test Report

Double Marker Test Report PDF

 

Double Marker Test Normal Report

Double Marker Normal Test Report PDF Format

Double Marker Test Normal Result Report PDF

 

Double Marker Test Abnormal Report

Double Marker Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

Double Marker Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

 

Double Marker Test Normal Range

Here's a table showing the normal range for Double Marker Test results:

 

Marker	Normal Range
Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG)	25,700 to 2,88,000 mIU/mL

 

• It's important to note that the specific normal range for each laboratory may vary slightly, so it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider about your individual results.
• Additionally, abnormal test results do not necessarily mean that there is a problem with the pregnancy, but rather indicate a higher risk that further testing may be needed to confirm.

 

Double Marker Test Interpretation

While the interpretation of the Double Marker Test can be complex and should be discussed with a healthcare provider, here's a simplified table that shows the possible interpretations of the test results:

PAPP-A Level	hCG Level	Interpretation
Normal	Normal	Low risk
Low	Normal	Increased risk
Normal	High	Increased risk
Low	High	High risk

 

It's important to note that the specific interpretation of test results can vary depending on factors such as maternal age and other risk factors, so it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider for individualized interpretation and recommendations.

 

Difference Between Double Marker and Triple Marker Test

Here are some key differences between the Double Marker and Triple Marker tests:

Double Marker Test	Triple Marker Test
Done between 10-14 weeks of pregnancy	Done between 14-20 weeks of pregnancy
Measures two markers: beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A)	Measures three markers: β-hCG, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and unconjugated estriol (uE3)
Screens for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities	Screens for Down syndrome and neural tube defects
Provides a risk score for the fetus having Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities	Provides a risk score for the fetus having Down syndrome and/or neural tube defects
Less accurate than the Triple Marker test	More accurate than the Double Marker test
May be followed by a Triple Marker test if risk for neural tube defects is still present	Generally not followed by another test

It is important to note that both the Double Marker and Triple Marker tests are screening tests, which means that they provide a risk score for the fetus having a certain condition. These tests are not diagnostic, and further testing may be recommended to confirm a diagnosis. The decision to undergo any prenatal testing should be made after a discussion with a healthcare provider.

 

Specimen Requirments For Double Marker Test

Here are the specimen requirements for Double Marker Test.

Specimen	plasma serum
Volume	2 mL
Container	3ml light green top tube container

 

Double Marker Test is Safe?

• Double Marker Test is considered a safe and non-invasive prenatal screening test.
• The test is performed using a simple blood draw, which carries minimal risk of infection or other complications.
• However, like any medical procedure, there may be rare instances of adverse reactions, and it is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

 

When Do You Get Double Marker Test Results?

• The results of the double marker test usually take about 48 hrs to come out.
• The timing of receiving the results may vary depending on the laboratory where the test was done.
• It's best to check with the healthcare provider about the expected timeline for receiving the results.

 

Double Marker Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the Double Marker Test.

• Limited accuracy in predicting chromosomal abnormalities.
• Does not provide a definitive diagnosis, further testing may be needed.
• False-positive and false-negative results are possible.
• Limited detection for certain rare genetic disorders.
• Not suitable for detecting all types of birth defects.

 

Double Marker Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the Double Marker Test.

• Maternal age over 35 years.
• Previous history of chromosomal abnormalities.
• Family history of genetic disorders.
• Certain maternal medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
• Use of certain medications during pregnancy.

 

Doctor Recommendations After Double Marker Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after Double Marker Test.

Double Marker Test Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Visit
High	Obstetrician	Further evaluation and counseling
Normal	Obstetrician	Routine prenatal care
Low	Obstetrician	Further evaluation and counseling

 

Double Marker Test Price

Here are the estimated Double Marker Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	1500 - 2500
New Delhi	1800 - 2500
Bangalore	1500 - 2500
Hyderabad	1800 - 2500
Kolkata	1500 - 2500
Pune	1800 - 2500
Lucknow	1800 - 2500
Noida	1500 - 2500
Surat	1800 - 2500
Gurugram	1800 - 2500
Patna	1500 - 2500
Chennai	1800 - 2500
Jaipur	1500 - 2500
Ahmedabad	1800 - 2500

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

Overall, Double Marker Test is a safe and simple blood test that helps to detect certain chromosomal abnormalities and assess the risk of Down syndrome in a developing fetu . Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

• What is Double Marker or Dual Marker Test During Pregnancy? [1].
• When Is the Double and Quadruple Marker Test Done? [2].