All You Should Know About the Double Marker Test Results

Every trimester of pregnancy is crucial for the growth and development of the fetus. The double marker test is a diagnostic and screening test that monitors the health of the mother and baby. The double marker test mainly divides its result into two categories. A doctor can use the double marker test result to analyze any presence of any deformities in a fetus. 

Understanding the double marker test results can be difficult. However, it is important to know and understand the test. In this blog, we will discuss the double marker test results, their purpose, and their benefits. 

What is The Double Marker Test? 

A double marker test is a screening test. Doctors also call it the maternal serum screening test. They conduct the test in the first trimester of pregnancy, which is crucial for the growth and balance of the fetus's chromosomes. 

A double marker test measures beta-human chorionic gonadotropic (beta-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) protein in the blood. The double marker test result diagnoses early chromosomal abnormalities to prevent congenital disabilities, chromosomal diseases, or even miscarriages. 

Early detection is important for preventing these abnormalities. You can take care of your health by booking the test from a trusted diagnostic center. Redcliffe Labs is a leading diagnostic lab that provides double-market tests. They understand the crucial period of pregnancy and the importance of screening. After booking the test, their phlebotomist will visit your home for blood sample collection. If you are pregnant, book the double marker test from Redcliffe Labs. 

Understanding the Double Marker Test

The double marker test result can be low, moderate, or high risk. Alow-risk shows that the baby is free from any abnormalities. The normal range of the double marker test for hCG in pregnant women lies within 25,700 to 2,88,000 mIU/mL. The PAPP-A normal range in pregnant women is 1 MoM (multiple of the median) for all age groups. 

A doctor can recommend other tests to properly understand factors such as family history, medical history, or an underlying medical condition. 

A ratio of 1:10 to 1:25 is a positive double-marker test result, which is dangerous for both mother and fetus. A ratio of 1:1000 or above is a negative double-marker test result. 

What’s The Right Time For a Double Marker Test During Pregnancy? 

The correct time for conducting a double marker test is between the 8th and 14th week of pregnancy. Initially, doctors screen the health of the fetus through ultrasound. 

Doctors suggest the double marker test for blood samples between the 11th and 13th week. 

The double marker test result is useful for detecting neurological abnormalities, down syndrome, Trisomy 13, Trisomy 21, and Trisomy 18. These situations create a mental and physical challenge for the baby. 

How Accurate is the Double Marker Test? 

The double marker test detects chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome and Edward’s syndrome. Experts say it is 70% accurate, but the accuracy of this test depends on the lab and equipment used. 

Doctors recommend taking the test from a trusted diagnostic center like Redcliffe Labs. The double marker test result can indicate a low, high, or moderate risk for the baby. During the first two trimesters of pregnancy, your doctor can suggest tests like the triple marker test, maternal marker alpha-fetoprotein, and hCG tumor marker test. 

Is The Double Marker Test Mandatory? 

The double marker test is a regular preventive test that helps you and your doctor analyze any medical condition, such as neurological syndromes. Pregnant women over 35 should take it to check for risks of chromosomal abnormalities. 

Some laboratories take up to 7 days for double marker test results, whereas Redcliffe Labs provides the test results within 4 days. After sample collection, you will receive the reports via message. 

What Are The Benefits of Double Marker Test? 

Double marker test or dual marker test provides several benefits to parents. 

1. The double marker test result can identify pregnancy-related complications and the risks affecting the health of a pregnant woman. 
2. The test result provides parents with information about the growth and development of the fetus. 
3. The double marker test cost is affordable, making the test accessible for everyone and preventing the risks of chromosomal abnormalities. 
4. The double marker test results provide peace of mind effective treatment and help parents prepare for their baby’s birth. 

How to Prepare for the Double Marker Test? 

The double marker test is a blood or serum test. Its results can early detect any abnormalities. The test needs no special preparations. However, your doctor may suggest some guidelines. These can be: 

1. Ask your doctor before following any diet. 
2. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day (4-5 liters) to prevent dehydration, weakness, or dizziness. 
3. The test can naturally bring stress, so practice mindful activities like yoga. 
4. Clear all your doubts with your doctor before the test to prevent complications. 
5. Wear loose and comfortable clothes at the time of testing. 

What is The Procedure for The Double Marker Test? 

A double marker test measures two proteins: Free Beta-hCG and PAPP-A. You can book the double marker test from Redcliffe Labs to determine any neurological or chromosomal abnormalities in the mother or fetus. After booking, their phlebotomist will visit your home for blood sample collections. Here is the procedure they will follow. 

• They will tie an adhesive tape on your upper arm to locate a vein. 
• After locating a vein, they will insert a sterile syringe to collect blood samples. 
• After carefully inserting the needle and collection, they will transfer the blood samples to a test tube. 
• Their phlebotomist will transfer the collected sample to the lab for testing. 
• You will receive the double marker test results within 4 days. 

Key Takeaways 

The double marker test result can detect chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Doctors highly recommend the test to detect development and growth during pregnancy. To prevent further complications, take the double marker test. Redcliffe Labs provides the double marker test at INR 2249. So, don’t let it create more complications for you or your baby, and take the double marker test from Redcliffe Labs.