Double Marker Test - Price, Normal Range, & Results [2024]

During pregnancy, your doctor may suggest a wide range of tests as a part of prenatal screening to assess the risk of a baby with certain chromosomal abnormalities. One among them is a Double Marker Test or a Dual Marker Test. A doctor usually suggests the Double marker test as a part of standard prenatal care during the first trimester. It is a predictive test that combines the measurement of two specific blood markers, namely, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), determining whether the growing fetus has any birth defects. Although it is suggested for all women, women over 35 are especially advised to do it because age is the major factor that increases one’s risk of having a baby with abnormalities. The test has a significant role in helping expectant parents learn about the health of their developing fetus and make informed decisions about pregnancy management.

Let us look at what a double marker test is and the results.

What is a Double Marker Test?

A Double Marker Test is a prenatal screening test suggested during the first trimester of the pregnancy to look for chromosomal abnormalities in the growing fetus. It primarily measures two major hormones, i.e., free Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Free Beta HCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). The test may help you detect abnormalities early (if any) and enable you to act quickly so that unforeseen complications after childbirth can be avoided.

Redcliffe Labs is the best Omnichannel Pan India Diagnostic Service Provider you can trust to book a Double Marker Test at a reasonable cost. With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and technologies, we ensure that all the samples are precisely processed & reports are free from all possible errors. Your doctor may consider your symptoms or risk factors to evaluate your condition and suggest the Dual Marker Test.

Double Marker Test Details In Brief:

Also Known As	Dual Marker, 1st Trimester Screening, Maternal Screening, DMT Test for Pregnancy
Purpose	Monitor fetus development & detect chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus
Preparation	Do not drink alcohol or smoke before the test
Fasting	No Fasting Required
Get Reports Within	Within 3 Days
Dual Marker Test Price	INR Rs 2149 - Rs 2400

What can be measured through a Double Marker Test?

It measures two specific markers in the mother's blood, including:

• Free Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): Free beta is the unattached or unbound hCG hormone, the primary marker measured during the double marker test. Abnormal free beta hCG usually indicates chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus.
• PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A): This is another marker that can be measured through this test. PAPP-A significantly regulates the availability of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) necessary for fetal growth. However, abnormal PAPP-A levels may be associated with an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

Both these measures, combined with our markers, can help assess a baby's likelihood of developing chromosomal abnormalities.

When should a woman get a double marker test?

While the Double marker test is a routine diagnostic assessment suggested to all, certain women are at higher risk and necessitate the need for it. The test allows doctors to evaluate the fetus's health and assess their risk of chromosomal abnormalities. It is highly recommended to women in those at higher risk category. Such as:

• Age: Women over 35 are at higher risk of having a baby with congenital abnormalities.
• Family History: Having a family history of congenital malformation increases one's risk of having a baby with such abnormalities and prompts the need for diagnosis to evaluate the condition thoroughly.
• Have Chronic History: Women with diabetes or a family history of diabetes or insulin resistance should get this test done, as certain health conditions raise one's risk of developing such problems.
• Have Had A Baby With Birth Defects: Women who have had their previous baby with chromosomal abnormalities are at higher risk of getting another one with similar problems, and getting tested is essential.
• Exposure To Infection: Moreover, the Double Marker Test is recommended when women have had exposure to infection or high-grade fever during pregnancy, as it increases their risks of developing such complications.
• Abnormal Ultrasound Findings: If your ultrasounds reveal abnormalities during pregnancy, your healthcare professional may suggest a Double Marker Test to clarify the condition better.

Even if you are not into the risk factor, your healthcare professional may suggest a Double Marker Test, also called a Dual Marker Test, to be safe and determine your risks for chromosomal abnormalities. The test is safe, has no associated risks, and is like another blood test.

Since the test covers two markers, it is also called a Combined Test to screen for Down syndrome. It is essential to understand that it is just a screening test that helps to know your risks, and your doctor may suggest additional tests to confirm the condition. Besides screening your fetus's condition, it allows doctors and parents to make informed decisions about pregnancy.

Why is it done?

A double Marker test is quite successful in predicting the fetus against a variety of illnesses, such as:

• Edward syndrome: It is caused by Trisomy 18 (three copies of chromosome 18), which can severely influence normal mental health, including developmental disorders and various verbal problems. Remember, the Double Marker Test may not directly detect or diagnose the mental health, developmental, or verbal problems associated with these syndromes but can only help assess the risk of these conditions in the developing fetus.
• Down's syndrome: It is characterized by the presence of three copies of chromosome 21. Several cognitive, behavioral, and medical concerns distinguish it. The test helps assess the risk of Down syndrome during pregnancy by measuring specific markers in the mother's blood. Still, it cannot evaluate the baby's physical characteristics like muscle mass loss, excessive skin development, or neck length. Doctors may suggest further tests or ultrasound for better clarity if any abnormalities are detected in the test.

What is the cost of the Double Marker test?

The cost of the double marker test is affordable because it is a simple pregnancy test required for screening. The Double Marker Test Cost in India varies depending on the city, laboratories, the availability and quality of the testing, and the diagnostic center accreditation. On average, the cost might range between INR 1500 and INR 3500, and with Redcliffe Labs, Double Marker Test Cost starts from Rs 2149 only.

Double Marker Test Price in Different Cities

City Name	Discounted Price
Delhi	₹2249
Noida	₹2249
Mumbai	₹2249
Bangalore	₹2249
Kolkata	₹2149
Pune	₹2249
Lucknow	₹2400
Ahmedabad	₹2249
Hyderabad	₹2249
Chennai	₹2249
Gurgaon	₹2249
Jaipur	₹2400
Faridabad	₹2249
Indore	₹2400
Patna	₹2400

Benefits Of Double Marker Test:

The Double Marker Screening Test is a parental screening that offers a range of benefits, like:

• Early Diagnosis: The double marker test identifies abnormalities in the developing fetus while allowing parents to make informed pregnancy decisions and plan accordingly.
• Non-Invasive: Double Marker Test is a non-invasive test that poses no health risks to the mother-to-be or the unborn baby. It is a convenient test that screens for fetal chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy.
• High Accuracy: According to studies, the double marker test has a higher accuracy rate than other tests. It has fewer chances of delivering false positive results and helps the doctor suggest additional tests accordingly.
• Reduce the Need For Invasive Testing: When a Double Marker Test indicates abnormalities, your doctor may suggest additional tests to confirm or rule out the condition. However, it helps avoid unnecessary procedures and the need for invasive testing to the greatest extent.

In short, a Dual Test in Pregnancy is a reliable screening test that helps assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn baby and helps parents make informed decisions to avoid complications later in life.

Double Marker Test Preparation:

While this simple blood test requires no special preparations, there are some steps that one needs to follow to be prepared for the Dual Marker Blood Test.

• It is a non-fasting test and can be done at any time of the day.
• Keep yourself calm before the test to ensure that hormones are in balance.
• Sleep well before the test to ensure that results are within the range.
• Share your fears of needles or known allergies with a phlebotomist before the test.

To be double sure or to get all your queries resolved, discuss it with your healthcare professionals before the test and follow all their instructions.

Double Marker Test Procedure:

Your healthcare professional may follow the following steps to perform the Double Marker Test.

• During the test, they will ask you to sit relaxed.
• The phlebotomist will tie a band around your arm or may ask you to make a fist so that the vein becomes visible.
• Once the vein is identified, the phlebotomist will use a needle to draw blood.
• The collected blood will be transferred to the vial and taken to the lab for processing.
• Lastly, the phlebotomist will remove the band and apply a bandage on the punctured site.

It is a simple procedure that typically takes only 5-10 minutes. In addition to the blood test, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound examination known as a nuchal translucency (NT) scan. This ultrasound can provide healthcare practitioners with additional information and clarity to confirm chromosomal abnormalities. So, book a Double Marker Test for early diagnosis of the problem and take better control of the condition.

Double Marker Test Result:

Risk	Hormone Concentration	Inference
Low-risk/Screen Negative	The level of HCG is roughly 25700-288000 mIU/ml   Levels of PAPP – A is 1 MoM (multiples of median)	The hormonal concentrations here are closer to normal. There is a low probability of a baby with a chromosomal abnormality.
Moderate to high/ Screen Positive	Extreme variance from normal levels	Additional conclusive tests, such as non-invasive prenatal testing or amniocentesis, are recommended.

It is essential to understand that the values mentioned above can vary from laboratory to laboratory, depending on the technique and units used for measurement. The Double Marker Result interpretation should always be done in consultation with a healthcare practitioner so that you can understand the reports or condition better and make informed decisions.

Be Double Sure With Double Marker Test!

Double Marker Test is a parental screening test that helps evaluate the risk for chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn fetus, such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18). It is typically suggested for pregnant women, especially those at higher risk. It helps identify their risks and avoid complications. It's time you should take the dual screening seriously. Book a Double Marker Blood Test with Redcliffe Labs to assess your risks and address the problem quickly. So, hurry up! Book a double marker test near me with us today.

Pregnancy-Related Tests/Packages That You Can Book with Redcliffe Labs

Tests/Packages	Offer Price in INR
HCG Test	₹499
HCG Tumor Marker (Cancer) Test	₹650
Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP), Maternal Marker Test	₹900
Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A(PAPP-A) Test	₹1000
Double Marker Test- Auto-Delfia	₹2500
Double Marker Test + PLGF- Roche	₹3200
Triple Marker Test	₹2900
Quadruple Marker Test	₹3600

Takeaway

A Double Marker Test is a highly suggested test to identify abnormalities early. However, it's not always mandatory, and some individuals may not undergo this screening. It depends on individual risk factors. Identifying the risk of such abnormalities can lead to better management of the pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. What is a Double Marker Test?

It is a prenatal screening test suggested for pregnant women to detect chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn fetus. Besides indicating abnormalities, the test results help determine the healthy development of the fetus. However, remember that the Double Marker Test is a screening test, and any high-risk results would require further diagnostic testing for confirmation.

2. What if a Double Marker Test is positive?

If your double marker test results are positive, it indicates a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Depending on your test result and other factors, your doctor may advise additional tests to confirm the problem and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

3. What is the Double Marker Test Price?

The Double Marker Test Price with Redcliffe Labs starts with Rs 2149. You can book the test at a reasonable cost and benefit from home sample collection for free. So, book now.

4. What is the Double Marker Test Normal Range?

The Double Marker Normal Range is 25,700 to 2,88,000 mIU/mL. Your doctor may use the test reports to know your risks and suggest the next step.

5. Is fasting required for a double marker test?

No, it is a non-fasting test. However, sharing your medical history (if any) with your healthcare professional before the test is essential.

6. Is a double marker test necessary?

No, it is not a mandatory test and is recommended for women at higher risk of developing genetic defects.

7. What is the difference between an NT scan and a double marker test?

While the NT scan is an ultrasound-based test that measures the thickness of the fluid-filled space at the back of the fetus's neck, the Double Marker Test is a simple blood test that assesses specific markers in the mother's blood to estimate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

They often provide a more comprehensive assessment of chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy.

8. Can a double marker test identify gender?

No, a Double Marker Test cannot identify gender and is only used to estimate the risk of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities.

9. I will get the double marker test report in how many days?

The TAT for Double Marker Test Report may vary from lab to lab. However, with Redcliffe Labs, you can expect accurate test results within 3 days to initiate appropriate action while there is still time.