Double Marker Test
Also called: Maternal serum screening, First trimester screening, Dual marker test
Commonly prescribed for: Developmental delay, seizures, low muscle tone
Home Collection
Report Delivery: Sample before 12 PM → by 8:30 PM today Sample after 12 PM → by 1 PM tomorrow
Age Group
All Ages
Sample Required
Blood
Test For
Women, Family
Contains
1 Tests
Tests available at
Home Collection
Preparations
No special preparation
Expert Analysis
Case Studies
16 Jan, 2025
12 Minutes
Know More About This Test
The Double Marker Test is a prenatal screening test performed in the first trimester (11–14 weeks) of pregnancy. It measures two biochemical markers—free β-hCG and PAPP-A—to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Trisomy 18.
This test is often combined with nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound for greater accuracy.
Why Is This Test Recommended?
Early prenatal risk assessment
Screen for chromosomal abnormalities
Guide need for advanced diagnostic testing
Reassure low-risk pregnancies
Understanding the Double Marker Test
Abnormal marker levels do not confirm a disorder but indicate increased risk, prompting further diagnostic tests like NIPT or amniocentesis.
Who Should Take This Test?
All pregnant women
Women above 30–35 years
High-risk pregnancies
Preparation
No fasting required
Accurate gestational age essential
Results Interpretation
Low risk: No further testing needed
High risk: Diagnostic tests advised
FAQs
Is it mandatory? No, the Double Marker Test is recommended but optional, particularly for women over 35 or those with risk factors, as it provides valuable early insights without being required for all pregnancies.
Is it diagnostic? No, it is a screening test only and does not diagnose chromosomal abnormalities definitively; it calculates risk levels based on marker measurements, with high-risk results leading to confirmatory tests like amniocentesis.
Can it harm the fetus? No, the Double Marker Test is completely safe and non-invasive, involving only a simple blood draw from the mother with no risk to the fetus or pregnancy.
What if results are high risk? If results indicate high risk, further diagnostic tests such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), chorionic villus sampling (CVS), or amniocentesis are advised to confirm the findings and discuss options with a genetic counselor.
Is ultrasound required? Yes, ultrasound is required for optimal accuracy, as it measures nuchal translucency alongside the blood markers to provide a combined risk assessment that's more reliable than blood tests alone.
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Tapadia Diagnostic
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