PAPP-A (Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A) Test

Table of Content

Introduction to PAPP-A Test 

PAPP-A, or pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, is a protein produced by the placenta during pregnancy. The placenta is an important organ during pregnancy that allows for the transportation of nutrients, oxygen, and antibodies from the mother’s blood to the fetus. The placenta contains various proteins, such as PP13, PLAC1, and PAPP-A, which keep a baby healthy and alive. 

PAPP-A is a hormone developed during the first trimester of pregnancy. Its deficiency may cause major risks, such as preterm delivery, preeclampsia, trisomy 21, 18, and 13, and intrauterine growth retardation. Doctors may recommend a PAPP-A test between 11-14 weeks of pregnancy to monitor the baby’s development. 

If your doctor suggests the PAPP-A test, book it from Redcliffe Labs. The PAPP-A test costs INR 1000. With the aim of providing quality diagnostic services to every Indian, we are available in over 220+ cities, powered by home sample collection across India. 

Test Details in Brief 

What is the Purpose of the PAPP-A Test? 

The main purpose of the PAPP-A test is to highlight the risks of genetic abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome, Edwards syndrome, or Patau syndrome in a fetus. PAPP-A is a protein in the placenta (connects fetus and mother). Usually, doctors recommend the PAPP-A test as a preventive screening. 

The PAPP-A test can help an expectant mother opt for earlier screening. The test can detect risks of neural tube defects like spina bifida. 

What Are The Uses of the PAPP-A Test? 

The PAPP-A test can be used: 

• As a parental screening test to determine a baby’s health during the first trimester of pregnancy. 
• To determine any genetic abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome
• To detect the presence of Trisomy 18, 21, and 13. 

What Does the PAPP-A Test Detect? 

The PAPP-A blood test can detect potential genetic risks in a pregnant woman. It can evaluate the fetus and mother's health through this screening test. PAPP-A, hCG, and Nuchal translucency are three components measured by the PAPP-A test. 

The placenta produces pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A)—the protein levels during normal pregnancy increase until delivery. 

In a normal pregnancy, the levels of hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, increase rapidly between 8 and 10 weeks and then gradually decrease and stabilize during delivery. In the initial months, the placenta produces large quantities of the hormone. 

Doctors perform ultrasounds on patients to detect any abnormalities in the fetus. They term this Nuchal translucency. They measure the fluid present between the skin and the spine of the fetus’s neck. This is not a common ultrasound procedure, so nuchal translucency is less available in every healthcare facility. 

When You Should Take The PAPP-A Test? 

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) is a useful protein during pregnancy. It acts as a connecting hormone between the fetus and the mother. Doctors generally label the test to check for fetus health to perform between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. This blood test is usually performed right at the same time as an ultrasound, which can help detect abnormalities. 

Why You Should Take The PAPP-A Test?

A pregnant woman should take the PAPP-A test for the following reasons. 

• In the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus’s health is detected. 
• Early detection of abnormalities like Edward syndrome or Down syndrome can help make timely preventive decisions. 
• To detect risks for pregnancy complications like preterm birth or pre-eclampsia. 
• The test poses no risks to the baby. Parents can take it as part of their routine parental care. 
• The PAPP-A test can determine whether further tests are necessary before diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or CVS. 
• PAPP-A test can provide peace of mind, lowering the risks of complications and abnormalities. 

Who Should Take The PAPP-A Test? 

The PAPP-A test is recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy (11-14 weeks). The test has no harm to the fetus, so all pregnant women can take the test to detect their fetus’s health. However, some women should take the PAPP-A Test: 

• Above 35 years of age 
• Have a family history of genetic disorders 
• Have a detectable chromosomal abnormality 
• Have an abnormal ultrasound result. 

The test can help you maintain a healthy placenta, monitor PAPP-A levels, and assess the placenta's and fetus's health. To prevent any complications, book the PAPP-A test from Redcliffe Labs. We understand pregnancy is a crucial period, and to make testing even more convenient, we offer a home sample collection service. Our DMLT-certified phlebotomist will visit your home for sample collection. 

How To Book The PAPP-A Test From Redcliffe Labs? 

Booking the PAPP-A blood test from Redcliffe Labs is very simple. It will take just one minute to book the test. We are available both online and offline, with our mobile app, website, 80+ in-house labs, and 2000+ collection centers. You can book the test from our website or mobile app or visit our lab for testing. 

For Online Booking 

• On your browser, search ‘Redcliffe Labs.’ 
• Search for the PAPP-A test on the website. 
• Click on ‘Book the test’. 
• Fill out your details. 
• That’s it. Our phlebotomist will visit your home for sample collection at your preferred time and address.

You can also book the test from our mobile app (available on both the Play Store and the App Store). The process is the same: download our app and book the test. 

For Offline Test Booking

We are present in PAN India with 80+ labs. On your browser, it is ‘Redcliffe Labs near me.’ You will see other labs near you. Call and book an advance appointment, or visit the lab and get tested. The PAPP-A blood test procedure is the same for both. 

Preparation for the PAPP-A Test 

The PAPP-A blood test needs no special preparation. It is a regular blood test, like others. The test requires no fasting; follow otherwise as advised by your doctor. Pregnancy is a time when you are bursting with emotions and mood swings. The test can put a lot of stress on your mind. The test is a part of a routine checkup during pregnancy. So, keep all the stress and worries aside. 

PAPP-A test needs blood samples for testing, which can make you weak afterward. Better keep yourself hydrated by drinking fluids such as water or pomegranate juice. Alcohol and tobacco are harmful to health. So, they should be avoided during pregnancy and before the test. 

PAPP-A Test Procedure 

Parental screening tests involve blood tests and an ultrasound scan. Doctors perform both to check the levels of PAPP-A in the blood. The ultrasound scan checks for fluid present under the skin of the fetus’s neck, also known as nuchal translucency. 

Both blood tests and ultrasounds are noninvasive for the fetus. The PAPP-A blood test checks for protein A and hCG levels in the mother’s blood. Our phlebotomist will visit your home to collect blood samples. 

The PAPP-A test procedure involves: 

• They will find an appropriate vein to collect blood samples. 
• Clean the site with an alcoholic substance to prevent risks of skin infection. 
• They will insert a sterile syringe into the arms to collect blood. 
• Shift the collected blood to a container. 
• Label it with your details like name, time, and collection place. 
• Transport the sample to the lab for analysis. 
• You will receive the PAPP-A test reports within four days. 

Risks Associated with the PAPP-A Test

The PAPP-A test is noninvasive and does not risk the fetus. However, it requires the insertion of a needle, which may pose certain risks. 

• Weakness 
• Dizziness 
• Fatigue 
• Slight pain 
• Excessive blood loss 
• Hematoma or blood clot (sometime) 

Understanding PAPP-A Test Results 

Doctors examine the PAPP-A test results through a mathematical calculation to determine whether a numeric fetal chromosomal defect result can be normal or low. The normal range is 0.5 multiples of the median (MoM) or higher. Levels below 0.5 MoM fall into the low category. This shows that a pregnant woman is at risk of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities. However, not all positive test results are diagnostic of fetal abnormalities. Your doctor might recommend other tests to monitor the fetus's and the mother’s health. 

A low level of PAPP-A, a high level of hCG, and the space at the fetus’s neck being larger than normal are some signs your fetus has chromosomal defects. 

Even if the PAPP-A test results are positive, your doctor might recommend certain tests and book them from Redcliffe Labs. 

• Double marker test 
• hCG maternal marker test 
• Inhibin A (Dimeric) test 
• Triple marker test 
• Maternal marker alpha-fetoprotein 
• Urine pregnancy test 

Signs of low PAPP-A 

Low levels of PAPP-A are usually linked with a certain pregnancy complication. There are no major symptoms. However, some of the potential risks of low PAPP-A include:

1. Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) 

2. Pre-eclampsia 

• Inflammation in the face and hands
• Severe headaches 
• Shortness of breath 
• Vision changes 
• Upper abdominal pain 

3. Preterm birth 

• Lower back pain 
• Pelvic pressure 
• Regular contractions 

4. High risks of chromosomal abnormalities (Down’s syndrome) 

Why Does Correct PAPP- A Matter During Pregnancy? 

Correct PAPP-A levels during pregnancy are important because they indicate optimal placental function and healthy fetal development. Maintaining normal PAPP-A levels is crucial, and here's why.

1. The placenta's production of PAPP-A is an indicator of its health, with normal levels suggesting normal functioning. Healthy placental function is crucial for fetal growth, as it supplies the baby with oxygen and nutrients.
2. Proper PAPP-A levels indicate a lower chance of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down, Edward, and Patau. Abnormal PAPP-A levels, particularly low, could indicate an increased risk of these conditions.
3. Prevention of Pregnancy Complications- Low PAPP-A levels have been linked to several pregnancy complications, including:
1. Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): Low levels can indicate that the baby might not grow properly in the womb, leading to low birth weight.
2. Pre-eclampsia: A condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
3. Preterm Birth: Low PAPP-A levels may signal a risk of premature labor, which can have implications for the baby’s health.
4. If levels are abnormally low, doctors may recommend additional monitoring and care to ensure the baby is growing healthy and prevent complications.
5. Correct PAPP-A levels help ensure no further invasive testing, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), just in case. However, low or abnormal levels often prompt further diagnostic tests.
6. Normal PAPP-A levels contribute to healthier pregnancy outcomes for both the mother and the baby by ensuring proper placental function and reducing risks of complications. 

PAPP-A Test Price with Redcliffe Labs

Redcliffe Labs believes in providing quality diagnostic services to every Indian. We strive to make diagnostic services affordable and accessible for everyone. With our PAPP-A test, you can detect the health of your fetus and detect any risks of abnormality or underlying genetic medical conditions such as Down’s syndrome. 

Don’t let the infection turn deadly. Take preventive steps and book the PAPP-A blood test from Redcliffe Labs at just INR 1000. The PAPP-A test price includes all home sample collection, transportation, and reports. So, what’s there to wait more? Book the PAPP-A test today from Redcliffe Labs and take care of your and your fetus' health today. 

Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A(PAPP-A) Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A(PAPP-A) Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.