What is a Double Marker Test?
Published On - March 3, 2022
The Double Marker Test in pregnancy is a diagnostic tool. It involves giving blood for analysis for the markers of specific types of abnormalities in chromosomes. Read and find out about how the Double Marker Test in Kolkata is performed, the types of things that it is used for and what you can expect upon getting the results.
What is the Double Marker Test Used For?
It is a part of First Trimester Screening, which is a more comprehensive type of screening technique. Another name for this type of test is Maternal Serum Screening.
This test is not definitive and is categorized as a predictive examination – which indicates the possibility of abnormalities in chromosomes, as reported by the results that are obtained.
This kind of test is used for screening pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-hCG) in blood levels. There are 22 pairs of XY chromosomes in fetuses of males and 22 pairs of XX chromosomes in fetuses of females in a standard pregnancy.
The Importance of Double Marker Test:
It is not mandatory to carry out the first-trimester screening – NT scan and Double Marker Test. However, it is recommended that the screening is conducted with other tests – such as the cell-free DNA test, in case of women who are more than 35 years of age or might have a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities – such as in case of a family history of these types of conditions.
It is essential to keep in mind that the results obtained from this kind of test only inform whether a higher risk of trisomies is there. It is not helpful in determining definitely whether there are any abnormalities in your baby, and if you need to take any fetal medicine in Kolkata.
Before taking a decision on whether or not you would like to opt for such a test, you might like to consider, in the long run, what the results could mean for you.
What can you expect when a Double Marker Test is conducted?
This is a simple blood test where an order will be written by your doctor for you and you have to take it to a laboratory. You do not have to fast, in order to undergo this test. You can have your normal foods and drinks before the appointment unless the doctor instructs you otherwise.
When it comes to the time for the turnaround of results there can be a variation between labs. Generally, you can expect to get your results in around 3 to 7 days. You might like to ask whether you will get a call from your clinic or whether you have to give a call to find out whether your results have come to the clinic.
It is often that this kind of test is carried out along with the NT scan, which means that you have to make payment for both types of tests for the full first-trimester screening. You need to call up your insurance provider and check your coverage as well as whether pre-authorization is required on your part. In case you lack insurance, you might like to call your lab or hospital to check the rebates or potential payment plans and costs.
