After your first trimester, you will start wondering: what hair color of your little one will have? Will they look like you or your spouse? While these things will get more clear once the baby is born. Your OB-GYN may recommend you certain tests to know more about your baby. One test is known as the double marker test analyzes given blood to check for certain chromosomal abnormalities. In today’s blog, you’ll come to know when and how this test is performed and what results you can expect.
What is Double Marker Test in Pregnancy?
The first-trimester screening includes the double marker test, commonly known as maternal serum screening. It isn’t a conclusive test. As a predictive test, however, it is helpful in showing the chance of chromosomal abnormalities in the findings of the test.
This test specifically checks blood levels of PAPP-A and free beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-hCG), two pregnancy-related hormones. In a typical pregnancy, male or female foetuses will have 22 pairs of XX chromosomes or 22 pairs of XY chromosomes. A trisomy is a chromosomal condition in which there are additional chromosomes, such as:
Down syndrome: It is referred to as trisomy 21 because there is an additional copy of chromosome 21.
Trisomy 18 and trisomy 13: These chromosomal abnormalities have an additional copy of chromosome 18 or chromosome 13.
Why is Double Marker Test during Pregnancy Done?
It is not required to get the double marker test and NT scan done during the first trimester. Nevertheless, if you are over 35 or may have an enhanced risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as if you have a family history of particular illnesses, screening (and others like the cell-free DNA test) is advised. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the outcome simply indicates whether there is a high chance of trisomies. It cannot prove with certainty whether your baby is abnormal.
Double Marker Test Price
Double marker test is affordable as it is a simple pregnancy test, which is vital for screening. Double marker test in pregnancy price in India may vary based on the city, the availability, laboratories, and the diagnostic centre accreditation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Double marker test in which week of pregnancy?
The dual marker test is a blood test or a screening test done anytime between the 11th and 13th week of pregnancy.
Is a double marker test mandatory?
The double marker test is not mandatory. The test is recommended if you are 35+ of age or may have developed a risk of chromosomal issues, such as if you have a family history of such conditions.
What to do if a double marker test is positive?
If the dual marker test is positive, the doctor may suggest further diagnostic procedures to find the problem.
Double marker test positive mean?
Ratios are used to present the results of the double marker test. The ratio is referred to as “screen positive” and falls into the high-risk range if it is between 1:10 and 1:250. A “screen negative” result is one where the ratio is 1:1000 or more and indicates a low risk. These ratios serve as indicators for figuring out the likelihood that a child will have any given disorder. If the double marker test shows a positive result, the doctor may suggest other diagnostic techniques such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sample to identify the issues
Double marker test negative means?
If the dual marker test is negative, it means there are low chances of your baby having chromosomal issues.
Can a double marker test be conducted after 14 weeks?
Double marker test can be done between 9 to 13 weeks of pregnancy but high-risk assessment time ranges between 11 to 13 weeks.
Conclusion
Many of you may be confused about whether to test or not. If you are confused, then start by checking the advantages and disadvantages of this test and then decide. Make sure to seek help from a healthcare professional to know about this test. If you want to get such type of information, then subscribe to Personal Care N Heal.
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