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Pregascreen Dual Marker Reflex Test

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Pregascreen Dual Marker Reflex Test

The Pregascreen Dual Test (also called First Trimester Serum Dual Marker Test) is a prenatal screening test done in the first trimester (between 8 and 13.6 weeks of pregnancy) to assess the chance of fetal chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), neural tube defects, Trisomy 18 etc. It measures two substances in the mother's blood viz. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and Free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (free ß-hCG) and provides a risk assessment. If the initial screening shows a higher-than-average risk, a confirmatory test like Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) or Karyotyping/FISH of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is recommended for a more precise diagnosis.

Reasons for Undergoing the Double Marker Test

The double marker test is an essential prenatal screening used to identify the risks of chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus. Doctors may recommend the double marker blood test different scenarios:

  • Advanced Maternal Age: Pregnant women aged 35 or older are at higher risk for chromosomal abnormalities in their baby. The double marker test helps identify conditions like Down syndrome or Edward syndrome early on, allowing parents to prepare or consider additional testing.
  • Family History of Genetic Disorders: If there’s a family history of chromosomal abnormalities, the double marker test is essential. It helps diagnose or rule out conditions such as trisomy 18 or Patau syndrome, providing valuable information about the baby’s health.
  • Smoking or Alcohol Use: Regular smoking or drinking during pregnancy can raise the risk of genetic disorders in the foetus. In such cases, the double marker test is highly recommended for early detection of possible abnormalities.
  • Foetal Chromosomal Evaluation: The dual marker test specifically examines the number of chromosomes in the foetus, including the presence of 22 XX or 22 XY chromosomes. By detecting abnormalities, parents can make informed decisions and prepare for any required medical care.

List of Parameters Considered During the Double Marker Test

The double marker test involves the analysis of two specific parameters in the maternal blood sample. These parameters provide valuable insights about the risk of chromosomal abnormalities:

  • Free Beta-hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin): Elevated levels of this placenta-produced hormone are associated to a higher risk of Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome. The normal hCG levels range from 25,700 to 288,000 mIU/ml across all age groups.
  • PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A): Low levels of this protein, produced by the placenta and fetus, are indicative of an increased risk of Down syndrome. The normal range for PAPP-A is 1 MoM (multiple of the median) for females across all age groups.

Home Collection for Double Marker Test Near You

Undergoing a double marker test or a dual marker test has become more convenient with the availability of home sample collection services. Metropolis Healthcare provides seamless experience by sending a trained phlebotomist to your doorstep for collecting the required blood sample. This ensures comfort, safety, and adherence to the highest standards of sample handling. With Metropolis Healthcare, you can be confident that accuracy of your double marker blood test results will be maintained.

Expect timely and reliable results, as Metropolis Healthcare is dedicated to making quality healthcare accessible and convenient for everyone. By using their home collection service, you can enjoy their expertise and commitment to excellent healthcare right at home.

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Pregascreen Dual Marker Reflex Test Price

Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Pregascreen Dual Marker Reflex Test with a clear pricing structure The price of Pregascreen Dual Marker Reflex Test in Mumbai is ₹ 3,500 We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Screen for chromosomal abnormalities: The Pregascreen Dual Marker test, a first-trimester screening, assesses the chance of the fetus having chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome.
  • Early pregnancy risk assessment: Done between 8 and 13.6 weeks, it provides a preliminary risk evaluation in the first trimester.
  • Identifies pregnancies with higher risk: The test helps flag pregnancies that might have a higher chance of chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Guides need for confirmatory testing: If the screening shows a higher-than-average risk, it prompts further investigation with a confirmatory test.
  • Confirmatory test options: The confirmatory tests recommended after a positive screen are Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) or Karyotyping/FISH of chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These provide a more definitive diagnosis.

The Serum Dual Marker test measures two substances in the mother's blood to assess the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities:

  • Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A): This protein is produced by the placenta and normally increases during a healthy pregnancy. Low levels of PAPP-A may be associated with an increased risk of Down syndrome.
  • Free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (free ß-hCG): This hormone is produced by the developing baby and normally rises in early pregnancy. However, abnormally high or low levels of free ß-hCG may be associated with an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome.

If the screening shows a higher risk, further confirmatory testing like NIPT or Karyotyping/FISH of CVS is recommended for a more precise diagnosis.

The test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

  • High HCG level indicates multiple pregnancies.
  • Low levels of HCG indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. 
  • Abnormal PAPPa levels may indicate high risk pregnancies. 
  • A more specific screening test (NIPT) or genetic screening from maternal blood or Karyotyping/FISH of CVS may be required for confirmation.

The double marker test, also known as dual marker test, is a prenatal screening test performed during the first trimester to assess the potential risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus. It involves a maternal blood test from the mother along with an ultrasound exam.

The double marker test, or dual marker test, is recommended for women who are between 9 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. It is especially advised for women over 35 and those with a family history of chromosomal or neurological disorders.

The double marker test is essential for the early detection of any chromosomal abnormalities, enabling timely decision-making and further diagnostic testing if needed. It aids in identifying risks related to Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and other genetic disorders.

The double marker test is recommended for all pregnant women, especially those over 35 years old, those with a family history of birth defects or genetic disorders, and those with a history of insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes.

No, the double marker test is not mandatory. However, it’s highly recommended for women at a high risk to help detect potential chromosomal abnormalities early and manage them appropriately.

The benefits of the double marker test, or the dual marker test, includes an early detection of chromosomal abnormalities, non-invasive procedure, risk assessment, and the opportunity for early planning and decision-making regarding pregnancy. It also aids in identifying potential health concerns for both the mother and the fetus.

The normal range for hCG in the double marker test is 25,700 and 288,000 mIU/ml for all age groups. For PAPP-A, the normal level is 1 MoM (multiple of the median) for females across all age groups.

No, fasting is not required before the double marker test or double marker blood test. However, it’s important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking prior the test.

Ideally, the double marker test should be conducted between 9 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. If this window is missed, a quadruple marker test can be performed between 15 to 21 weeks of pregnancy to assess risk.

A positive result in the double marker test indicates a moderate to high risk of chromosomal abnormalities. In these cases, further diagnostic tests such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) or amniocentesis may be suggested to confirm the diagnosis.

The double marker test results are indicated as a ratio, usually between 1:10 and 1:250. A low-risk or screen-negative result means the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities is low, while a moderate-risk or high-risk result indicates a higher chance and suggests further testing is needed.

Yes, home sample collection is available for the double marker test from some labs, such as Metropolis Healthcare. They follow safe and clean methods when taking the blood sample.

The reports of the double marker test typically take 24 hours, depending on the day/time the sample collected and processed.

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