Penta Marker Test for Pregnancy: Benefits, Symptoms, Need, and More

Hey! 

How are you, moms-to-be?

Are you all set to welcome your little one on your due date? 

Well, here is a beautiful quote: “ I am proud of many things in life, but nothing beats being a mother.”

As an expectant mother, you must wonder what your child will look like and might even be praying for God to bless you with a healthy child. 

Your parental anxieties are genuine, unveiling the Penta Marker Screening, identifying the risk for chromosomal abnormalities in the first trimester. Isn’t that great?

Today's blog highlights a penta marker test, its purpose, benefits, and more. It aids in informed decision-making and better pregnancy management.

What are chromosomal abnormalities?

Chromosomal abnormalities can be numerical, structural, or composition of chromosomes, which may result in various genetic disorders. 

An abnormal number of chromosomes can be less or more than the normal 46. Chromosomal abnormalities can cause defects, some visible at birth or developing later in life. 

Some consequences of chromosomal abnormalities include: 

1. Miscarriage
2. Developmental problems
3. Physical differences such as facial features or shorter-than-average height.

Examples of chromosomal disorders are 

• Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
• Turner syndrome (monosomy of the X chromosome)
• Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)

& 

• Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18).

To ensure safer pregnancies, the penta marker test revolutionizes prenatal care while making prenatal screening accessible, accurate, and affordable for all. 

What is the Penta Marker Test?

As hinted above, the Penta Marker Test is a prenatal screening test performed during the first trimester of pregnancy (between 11 and 13.6 weeks) to determine the risk for chromosomal abnormalities and certain birth defects in the fetus. 

This prenatal screening is introduced as an advanced version of the Quad Marker Test, measuring five biochemical markers in the mother’s blood earlier in pregnancy. It is used to detect conditions such as Down syndrome, neural tube defects, and trisomy 18. 

Its fine components are: 

• PAPP-A
• Beta HCG
• Alpha Foeto-Protein (AFP)
• Inhibin A
• PI GF

 

Top 5 Reasons You Need A Penta MarkerTest

Prenatal screening is crucial to detect genetic abnormalities early as they can significantly impact a child’s health. These conditions are not curable, and timely and accurate diagnosis to help you make informed decisions about your pregnancy. Additionally, it enables a healthcare provider to manage potential complications. 

1. If you are above 35 years of age and pregnant, a penta marker test is important to measure substances that may cause neural tube defects. Women over 35 are at 80% risk for detecting Down syndrome risk. 
2. If you have a family history of genetic disorders, this puts you at risk for pregnancy with chromosomal abnormalities. Your baby might be more likely to be born with a congenital disability. 
3. Experienced previous pregnancies with congenital disabilities: Also known as the first trimester Test-VI, the penta screen helps expectant mothers who have experienced a pregnancy with a congenital disability. Additionally, the test includes several marker tests measured in the mother's blood to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and other complications. 
4. Were exposed to radiation, infections, or harmful substances during pregnancy: You might be surprised, but if you are exposed to radiation, this can put your fetus at risk for various health effects. These may include stunted growth, miscarriage, congenital disabilities, and an increased risk of developing cancer later in life. 
5. To evaluate five specific markers: A penta marker screening helps measure five specific markers in the blood: 

• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) – It indicates neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – It aids in assessing the risk of Down syndrome.
• Unconjugated estriol (uE3) – It evaluates fetal well-being and identifies fetuses at risk for in-utero death. 
• Inhibin A – Testing inhibin A in your blood can help see if the baby has Down syndrome. 
• PAPP-A (Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A) – This maternal blood test can help diagnose potential chromosomal disorders in the developing foetus. 

Penta Marker Test for Pregnancy: Top 5 Benefits You May Like To Know

The penta marker test is more beneficial than conventional prenatal screening methods. It helps a doctor assess the risk level of certain congenital conditions and guides first-time parents-to-be on further diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis or chronic villus sampling (CMV). 

Some of its benefits include: 

1. Early detection: The penta test successfully supports the early detection of chromosomal abnormalities and congenital disabilities. It is usually performed between 11 to 13.6 weeks of pregnancy.
2. Non-invasive methods: This prenatal screening is non-invasive, meaning it poses no risk to the mother or fetus. Thus, it is safe for both the mother and baby. 
3. Aids in better pregnancy management: The added advantage of penta marker screening is that it enhances the accuracy of genetic risk assessment and alleviates the anxiety of parents, enabling better pregnancy management. 
4. Higher accuracy: Compared to older screening methods, like triple and quad marker tests, the penta marker test is more accurate in assessing any kind of genetic risk. 
5. Affordable: This first-trimester Test-VI, serum penta screen test is affordable. 

Common Symptoms That May Require a Penta Marker Test

While a penta marker test is a routine test, complicated pregnancies necessitate it, including

• Abnormal ultrasound findings
• Unusual maternal blood test results
• High-risk pregnancy factors, such as diabetes, hypertension
• Had a miscarriage or previous congenital disabilities. 

Preparation for a Penta marker test

Preparation for a penta marker test is simple. You should always inform your doctor about supplements or medications you are taking before the test. Their ingredients might interfere with the test results. 

Also, no fasting is required for a penta marker test, allowing you to eat your regular meals. Stay hydrated for a convenient blood draw from the vein. 

Procedure for a Penta Marker Test

A healthcare professional or phlebotomist will use a needle to collect a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. Being hydrated allows the expert to find the most suitable vein for the blood draw, reducing the chances of multiple punctures.

The blood is drawn into a sterile blood collection tube for analysis. 

Additionally, needle injection can cause acute pain, but it typically dissipates in minutes, hours, or days. In case the pain continues for more than 2-3 days, excessive bleeding, or infection at the needle site, seek medical attention immediately. 

What are the risk factors for a Penta Marker Test?

The penta marker test is a prenatal screening test that helps an expert detect the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome. The factors that can affect the penta marker screening include: 

• Maternal age: One of the primary factors that can affect the penta marker test is maternal age. The risk of chromosomal abnormalities is higher when a pregnancy is expected to be over 35 years old. 
• Gestational age: Another factor that can lead to false-positive or false-negative results is gestational age. A healthcare provider usually suggests an ultrasound to determine gestational age. 
• Material weight: A mom-to-be is higher or lower body weight can affect the concentration of five markers: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), Unconjugated estriol (uE3), Inhibin A, and Hyperglycosylated hCG (h-hCG). 
• Multiple pregnancies: If a mom-to-be carries twins or triplets, triplets may have elevated marker levels. This can make interpretation more difficult. 
• Medical conditions: Expecting moms with medical conditions such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes and liver disease can affect test results. 
• Smoking: Smoking is harmful, and doing this during pregnancy can increase HCG levels, which might influence risk calculations. 
• Ethnicity: You might be surprised, but different ethnicities may show variations in marker levels.
• IVF pregnancy: Women conceiving through IVF (in-vitro) fertilization often show different HCG and AFP levels compared to those who conceive naturally. 

Penta marker test vs. double marker test

Below is a small comparison between a penta marker test and a double marker test: 

Penta Marker Test	Double Marker Test
1. This test screens for five biomarkers: AFP, hCG, uE3, inhibin-A, and hyperglycosylated hCG.	1. This test only helps measure Free beta-HCG and PAPP-A biomarkers.
2. A penta marker test helps detect chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, and neural tube defects.	2. A double marker test is used to detect chromosomal abnormality in the fetus such as  Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18 (Edwards' syndrome), or other conditions.
3. It is performed in the second trimester of pregnancy.	3. It is performed in the first trimester of pregnancy.

What do Penta marker test results indicate?

The penta marker test assists a healthcare provider in assessing the risk of certain genetic disorders and fetal abnormalities. It is important to know that the test helps assess the risk but does not provide a definitive diagnosis. The results of a penta marker test are typically shown as a risk ratio ( e.g., 1 in 1000), indicating that a fetus has a particular condition. 

Interpreting Results

The results for a penta marker test may be interpreted as follows:

• Low Risk: A low risk suggests a lower chance of genetic abnormalities; however, it doesn’t guarantee a healthy baby. 
• High Risk: On the other hand, a high risk indicates the presence of genetic abnormalities; further testing like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS)) may be recommended to confirm findings.

Note: Consult your penta marker test report with your healthcare provider to help evaluate the risk of a fetus having specific chromosomal abnormalities. It will also guide him to suitable treatment strategies to improve your health outcomes. 

What do positive results indicate?

A healthcare provider suggests a prenatal screening to assess the likelihood of a mom-to-be carrying a fetus at a higher risk of developing chromosomal conditions. These may include Down syndrome, Edward syndrome, or neural tube defects such as spina bifida. 

Positive penta marker test results do not give a definite diagnosis but rather indicate an increased risk of such conditions: 

• For Down syndrome (Trisomy 21): The level of AFP and estriol in the pregnant mom’s blood are low while the hcG and inhibin levels tend to be elevated. 
• Edward's syndrome (Trisomy 18) is a severe genetic condition that tends to affect the growth and development of the fetus. Consequently, children diagnosed with this condition may have a problem gaining weight, multiple birth defects, and an unusual-looking face.
• Additionally, disorders like anencephaly or spina bifida can raise AFP levels that enter the mother's bloodstream.

What to do next?

If the penta marker test is positive, consult your doctor immediately. Additional testing such as NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing), amniocentesis, and ultrasound (anomaly scan) may be needed. 

Book a Penta Marker Test from Redcliffe Labs at Affordable Rates! 

Call us directly or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book a penta marker test online at the most competitive price from Redcliffe Labs. 

Our routine, genetic, and specialized tests are available with home sample collection. Our lab experts use state-of-the-art technology to analyze your blood sample and generate a report that ensures 100% correctness and is time-efficient. 

Also read:

https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/radiology/anomaly-scan-in-pregnancy-its-benefits-preparation-procedure-and-more/

Step-by-step information on booking a test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.

• Note: You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp. 

FAQs

• What is the penta marker test?

The penta marker test is a prenatal screening test that checks for the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects in pregnant moms. 

• When is the penta marker test performed?

A doctor usually orders a penta marker test between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy to assess fetal health. 

• What conditions does a pentamarker test detect?

A penta marker test detects Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edward’s syndrome (Trisomy 18), neural tube defects, and other genetic conditions. 

• Is fasting required for a penta marker test?

No, fasting is needed before the penta marker test. You should not eat non-veg and avoid alcohol use before the test to prevent hormone fluctuations. 

• Does a positive result confirm a disorder?

A positive result does not fully confirm a diagnosis; it indicates a higher risk. Further tests, such as NIPT, amniocentesis, or ultrasound, are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

• Is the Penta Marker Test mandatory?

No, a penta marker test is not compulsory. It is optional but highly suggested for high-risk pregnancies, such as women over 35 or those with a family history of genetic disorders.