Double Marker Test in Delhi

Double Marker Pregnancy Test in Delhi

Understanding Double marker test for pregnancy

A particular test is performed as a predictive test to determine if the baby has any chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy. This is referred to as a Double Marker test or a screening test for maternal serum. Generally, a Double marker test is performed during the first trimester of pregnancy as part of standard checks. The test includes measuring the levels of two hormones in the blood: free Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A. The Double Marker test in pregnancy can also assist in diagnosing neurological abnormalities in the foetus, such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome.

The test is standard for women, but it is especially recommended for women over 35, as advancing age increases the likelihood of having a child with chromosomal abnormalities.

What kind of chromosomal abnormalities can be detected?

A chromosomal anomaly occurs when one or more chromosomes are added or deleted. A foetus typically contains 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes. A girl will have a XX chromosome in addition to the autosomal 22 pairs, and a male will have an XY chromosome in addition to the autosomal 22 pairs.

• Down syndrome is a frequent anomaly characterised by an extra copy of chromosomal number 21, also known as trisomy of 21.
• Another prevalent disorder is Edward syndrome, which occurs with a trisomy of chromosomal number 18.
• A chromosome 13 trisomy causes Patau syndrome.

Women having increased levels of HCG and PAPP-A in their blood are found to have a child with a potential chromosomal defect. However, it is crucial to remember that the Double Marker test is not conclusive, and a doctor may recommend another test, such as an ultrasound or a nuchal translucency scan.

When is a Double Marker test required for a woman?

The Double marker test in pregnancy is frequently given as a diagnostic measure to many women, but it is specifically suggested in other circumstances.

• When a woman is above 35, her foetus is more likely to acquire congenital malformations and genetic problems.
• If there is a family history of congenital impairments or abnormalities, the odds of the foetus inheriting it are multiplied many times.
• If a woman has diabetes or has a family history of diabetes and insulin resistance, the test can diagnose.

What are the different uses of a Double Marker test?

A dual marker test can be pretty effective in predicting the foetus against a range of illnesses.

• It can aid in diagnosing any mental disorders that the baby may be born with. A Double Marker test can also aid in determining the fetus's likelihood of developing mental problems.
• As a mother's age increases, her chances of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities increase; hence the Double Marker test in Delhi is mainly used to determine if the foetus has down syndrome or not.
• Edward syndrome, caused by the trisomy of 18, can have a severe impact on normal mental health, causing mental retardation and various word defects. A Double Marker test can be used to detect this.
• Another issue that may readily be identified is the trisomy of chromosomal number 21, characterised by many mental, neurological, and health abnormalities.
• The test is also helpful in diagnosing whether the child will suffer from a loss of muscle mass, excessive skin growth at the back of the neck, or short neck.
• The test can also detect microcephaly where the infant's head is deformed and small in size, micrognathia where the jaws are shaped abnormally and arched spine.
• Double Marker test can also be useful in distinguishing umbilical hernia in mothers carrying the child.

Is the double Marker test mandatory for every woman?

Undergoing a double Marker test is not mandatory for every woman, but in most cases where the female is above 35, this test is generally recommended. The chances of an Infant developing abnormality increases with mothers' increasing age. The double Marker test is available for females of all age groups, and it's not a mandatory test. After analyzing all the different factors, if your doctor prescribed this test, it is recommended to generally undergo a double Marker test for the early detection of any abnormalities.

How should the results of the Double Marker test be analysed?

The test findings are generally classified into low, moderate, and high-risk categories.

• Low risk: this group has outcomes that are close to normal. 
• In a Double Marker test, the typical amount of HCG is roughly 25700-288000 mIU/ml and PAPP – A is 1 MoM (multiples of median)
• Moderate or high risk: In the event of an aberrant result with a divergence from the average value, additional conclusive tests, such as non-invasive prenatal testing or amniocentesis, can be performed. Extreme variance from normal levels in the report might place you in the moderate to the high-risk zone.

It is generally seen that the free human chorionic gonadotropin levels (HCG) are higher in case of any complications related to down or Turner syndrome. On the other hand, the level of PAPP is lower in the case of down or turner's syndrome.

Knowing if your child has a congenital anomaly might help you manage any potential issues that may arise in the future.

What does the Double Marker test cost in Delhi?

A dual marker test is a simple pregnancy test essential for screening. The final Double Marker test cost in Delhi varies according to the city you are located in, testing facilities of the Diagnostic laboratory, the quality and availability of the test, and the testing facility accreditation. Typically, the cost is slightly higher. Redcliffe provides several discounts, and the test may be obtained at a very low price of INR 2000.

What are the advantages of a non-invasive Double Marker test at Redcliffe?

• Redcliffe provides the most versatile and safe dual test in pregnancy
• The test is very accurate, detecting trisomies more than 99 per cent of the time; the false positive rate is nearly non-existent, at less than 1 per cent.
• The test is straightforward and efficient. Only 10 mL of the mother's blood is needed for the sample.
• The test provides an in-depth investigation of different aneuploidies that your child may have.
• Testing is highly efficient and there is no need to redraw the blood.