Double Marker Test in Pregnancy: Need & Importance

In pregnancy, a Double Marker Test is performed to determine any chromosomal malformation in the foetus. Learn more about its importance and uses.

How similar will they be to you or your spouse? Your sister's toddler is a reckless daredevil, so will your baby be?

Your gynecologist may prescribe you tests or screenings to find out more about your developing child, including the sex of your child.

Double marker test, which entails supplying blood to be examined for indicators of particular chromosomal disorders, is a diagnostic procedure that is often used.

Learn more about how and when to take the test, what it looks for, and what to do with the findings.

A Double-Marker Test: What Is It?

This isn't a conclusive evaluation. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAA) and free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) are assessed explicitly in this test (PAPP-A).

Most pregnancies result in either the female fetus having 22 pairs of XX or the male fetus having 22 pairs of XY chromosomes.

Pregnancies with certain chromosomal anomalies might have either greater or lower levels of hCG and PAPP-A than what is considered "normal."

However, your findings aren't based just on your blood levels. However, if you're over the age of 35 or have a family history of specific chromosomal problems, the screening (and others like the cell-free DNA test) is suggested.

• If you get a report that says you're at greater risk, would you be willing to undergo additional intrusive testing?

• Do you think the findings will alter your approach to the pregnancy?

There are no right or wrong solutions here; it's all about what works for you and what doesn't.

The Double Marker Test: Timing

The double marker test in pregnancy can only be used for a limited amount of time before it becomes ineffective. In order to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider between the end of your first trimester and the beginning of your second trimester, you will be required to do so.

Your blood will be drawn between the 11th and 14th weeks of your pregnancy.

The Double Marker Test: Price

How much the dual marker test will cost you will be determined by your insurance coverage and your geographic area. Even if you do not have health insurance, you may contact your hospital or lab to inquire about costs and payment options.

To have a comprehensive first-trimester screening, you'll need to pay for both the NT scan and this test.

The Results Of The Test And What To Anticipate

A simple blood test is used to perform the double marker test. An order from your doctor will direct you to a laboratory for testing. Unless otherwise indicated, you may eat and normally drink before your visit.

The turnaround time of laboratories varies widely. Generally speaking, you should anticipate obtaining your findings between a few days to a few weeks. You may wish to inquire about this.

An Examination Of A Double-Marker Test Report

It's critical to understand how the images dual marker test in pregnancy result is read before delving into what is believed to be the typical range for the test result.

It is possible to categorize the findings of the Double Marker test into two groups: positive and negative. It determines the likelihood that the child will be born with the condition. Ratios are used to display the results. Screen positive signifies that there is a strong probability that the baby will have the situation if the balance is between 1:10 and 1:250. A Screen negative result is one in which the likelihood of a child being born with a chromosomal or neurological abnormality is less than one in a thousand.

To be sure, a doctor will conduct further testing if the findings of this test indicate a possible issue in the baby.

For The Double Marker Test, The Expected Outcomes

There are three danger levels: low, medium, and high.

When the results are "screen-negative," it suggests your kid is unlikely to have any chromosomal abnormalities, and this is what is referred to as a "normal" result.

Even if your test results are within the normal range, you will only be advised for additional testing if there is some other sign (such as family history, your age, etc.) or if you have an interest in learning more.

Even if you get a low-risk result, it doesn't always indicate that your kid will be healthy. Genetic disorders, trisomy 13 as well as trisomy 18 are the only diseases that are screened for during the first trimester of pregnancy.

• Double Marker Test Results That Are Out Of The Ordinary

You may see a genetic counselor to learn more about a screening result that indicates a moderate- or high-risk ("screen-positive") result for abnormalities.

Prenatal diagnostic testing (NIPT), amniocentesis, or chorionic villus sample may all be used to corroborate your findings. Though some of these double marker test report may pose a danger to your unborn child, they offer a conclusive answer.

Pregnancy-related choices, such as whether or not to pursue additional testing or medical treatment, may be made more efficiently when the double marker test is performed early in the process.
Preparing for the possibility of having a child with special abilities might be easier if you know what your risk level is.

Is There Any Danger In Doing A Two-Marker Test?

Using a double marker test is entirely risk-free—a noninvasive, routine blood test. Of course, you should always follow the advice of your physician and contact him or her if you have any concerns.

NT Scan Vs. A Two-Marker Test

During the first trimester screening, the double marker test (a blood test) and NT scan (an ultrasound) provide the most reliable findings. The results of both tests are used to determine if a patient has a low, medium, or high risk of abnormalities.

The NT scan is less accurate when it is performed without the double marker test.

Using sound waves, your doctor may capture a live picture of your baby with the NT scan. Your double marker test will take place around the same time as this one, so plan accordingly.

Early in your first trimester, your doctor may take a measurement of your baby's back neck to see how big it is growing. The development of the nasal bone will also be examined by your doctor to determine whether it is symptomatic of a trisomy.

Blood tests and age-related risk are correlated. A combination of these factors is used to estimate your baby's probability of developing Down syndrome, trisomy 13, or trisomy 18.

The Double Marker Test: Objectives

The relevance of screening for chromosomal abnormalities (if any) in the developing baby should not be overlooked if your doctor has recommended it. Estimated prices may be greater than regular pregnancy tests and scans because of additional accurate testing. However, if you can afford it, it's well worth the money to learn about your baby's health risks early on in the pregnancy. It's vital to remember that your fetus's health depends on your happiness.

A doctor may not always advise pregnancy screening tests, but they are critical. It's a good idea to take this exam unless you have a good reason to avoid it. One in 700 children is born with Down's syndrome. Many people have heard of or come into contact with children who were born with this circumstance. Because of this, it is essential to get your unborn child tested for this chromosomal issue.

The Double Marker Test may inform you how likely you are to have a child with Down's syndrome during the first trimester of pregnancy. Other methods of diagnosing this condition exist. These, on the other hand, are completed at a later date, by which time it may be too late to intervene. Having a child beyond the age of 35, for example, increases your probability of having a child with an abnormality. You should thus follow your obstetrician's recommendation and get the test performed.

A triple marker test or a quad marker test, both of which are screening tests, may be recommended by a doctor. These two tests are performed on a pregnant woman between both the 15th and the 20th week of her pregnancy. You can try once more with three or four-pointers if you fail the first round of assessment with only two markers.

Finishing Up

What's the advantage of testing? Double marker test report in the first trimester and a double marker test are also options to consider if you're still uncertain.

Consider how having this knowledge may help you make better decisions about whether or not to pursue more testing and how to handle your pregnancy.

It would help if you talked to your doctor about this test and how it could benefit you in light of your specific situation. Regardless of what you select, it is critical that you maintain regular touch with your healthcare professional.

You may also look- Doppler Scan in Pregnancy

References

1. Durković J, Ubavić M, Durković M, Kis T. (2018). Prenatal Screening Markers for Down Syndrome: Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive and Negative Expected Value Method. NCBI

2. Liteanu, Andreea & Mihhùan, Marius & Artenie, Vlad. (2010). The importance of the double test in identification of high risk pregnancies for chromosomal diseases development. researchgate.net

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