What is Double Marker or Dual Marker Test During Pregnancy?
The Double Marker Test Procedure or Dual Marker Test is a screening test that is typically performed during the first trimester of pregnancy.
The test measures the levels of two specific markers in the mother’s blood: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A).
HCG is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy and is used to confirm pregnancy and to monitor the growth and development of the fetus. PAPP-A is a protein produced by the placenta and fetus during pregnancy.
The Double Marker Test during pregnancy is used to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, and other genetic conditions like Edward Syndrome and Patau syndrome in the fetus. The test results are combined with the mother’s age and other factors to estimate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
It’s important to note that the Double Marker Test is only a screening test and is not diagnostic. If the test results suggest an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, the mother may be offered further diagnostic tests, such as an amniocentesis, to confirm the results.
The Double Marker Test is a safe and non-invasive option for pregnant women who are interested in learning about the potential risks for chromosomal abnormalities in their fetus. However, it’s important for women to discuss the benefits and limitations of the test with an experienced gynecologist before making a decision about whether to have the test.
Here are some benefits of double marker test procedure:
Early Detection: The Double Marker Test can detect the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, in the fetus as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. This allows for earlier planning and decision-making regarding the pregnancy.
Non-Invasive: The test is a blood test and is non-invasive, making it a safer option compared to some other diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis, that carry a small risk of pregnancy loss.
Risk Assessment: The test provides a risk assessment for chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic conditions, allowing the mother and her healthcare provider to make informed decisions about further diagnostic tests and prenatal care.
Peace of Mind: For some women, knowing the results of the Double Marker Test can provide peace of mind and help them prepare for the birth of their baby.
Cost-Effective: The Double Marker Test during pregnancy is a cost-effective option for screening for chromosomal abnormalities, making it accessible to a larger number of women who might not otherwise be able to afford more expensive diagnostic tests.
It is important to note that Triple Marker Test and the Double Marker Test are not the same.
The Triple Marker Test, also known as the Triple Test or the Multiple Marker Screen, measures three specific markers in the mother’s blood: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and unconjugated estriol (uE3). The test is typically performed during the second trimester of pregnancy and is used to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects in the fetus.
The Double Marker Test, as the name suggests, measures only two markers in the mother’s blood: hCG and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). The test is typically performed during the first trimester of pregnancy and is used to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
For a double marker test, reach out to Dr Rhythm Gupta, a qualified and experienced gynecologist in Delhi, with a proven track record of successful childbirths.
