On the day of confirming your pregnancy, there are millions of questions and doubts that pop up in your mind. You start to imagine your unborn child, their gender, and other intricate details. But the answer to your questions will be a mystery until the arrival of your little one.
Doctors primarily focus the development of the fetus on different aspects. There are possibilities for chromosomal defects, causing various complications in the fetus. To identify those causes earlier, a double marker test has been conducted. It helps analyze and report any structural flaws associated with your fetus and how healthy it would be.
Let’s uncover this screening test in detail. Continue reading to know more:
What is the Double Marker Test?
The double marker test, also known as maternal serum screening, involves collecting your blood sample to analyze any signs of chromosomal complications in the fetus. During pregnancy, a fetus may grow with chromosomal abnormalities that lead to various health disorders. It may be an incorrect number of chromosomes, structural flaws, or the wrong amount of genetic information.
This test will take place in two different aspects: Beta-hCG (beta-human chorionic gonadotropin) and PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A). If the test finds an elevated range of beta-hCG, increasing the risk of chromosomal disorders. Doctors usually suggest patients take this test in the first trimester.
Purpose of the Double Marker Test in Pregnancy
The double marker test is an important diagnosis in the first trimester of pregnancy. It detects any chromosomal abnormalities present in the developing fetus. In general, a male fetus has 22 pairs of XY chromosomes, whereas the female fetus has 22 pairs of XX chromosomes.
In some cases, there is a chance for chromosome abnormalities in the body’s cells, resulting in a genetic condition known as trisomy.
Researchers have identified that the fetus has a chance to encounter three different copies of chromosomal issues. It can lead to subnormal intelligence, deformities, or delayed milestones. Identifying these issues earlier can be advantageous for both the mother and the unborn child.
What Does the Double Marker Test Measure?
As stated earlier, a woman’s blood can be evaluated in two different aspects:
Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – A pregnancy-related hormone
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) – A protein in erythrocytes
This test is usually recommended between 10 to 14 weeks of pregnancy to ensure how the fetus’s growth and development would be. The high value of hCG indicates the increased risk of Trisomy-18 and Down syndrome. PAPP-A is a plasma protein, which is quite essential for body functioning.
Double marker test results are categorized into three types: positive, negative, and high-risk. Based on the report of individuals, doctors suggest further tests or appropriate medications.
When is the Double Marker Test Recommended?
The test is primarily recommended to pregnant women aged above 35 years. If they are figured out with any elevated signs of genetic aberrations, it can be exactly predicted by looking at their pedigree chart.
How is the Double Marker Test Performed?
The double marker test involves collecting the blood sample of a pregnant mother. Here are the steps included:
The health care provider or concerned person ties an elastic band on your arms; hence the blood vessels cause swelling.
They need the arteries to be clearly visible to finely insert the syringe into the blood vessels.
Once collected, the samples are preserved in a lab before going for testing.
This is a simple and straightforward procedure, which causes no impacts or sensation. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to schedule a double marker test to better manage their pregnancy journey.
What Do the Results Indicate?
Generally, the test results are given in the form of ratios. If you are resulted with 1:10 to 1:250, which is highly dangerous for both the mother and unborn child. When it is typically above 1:1000, you are in a safe zone, and your baby has a low risk of having chromosomal abnormalities.
Risks and Limitations of the Double Marker Test
Double marker tests determine hormone concentration levels. It helps doctors identify that a fetus’s growth is normal or associated with any chromosomal abnormalities. A normal test result shows either low risk or a screen negative. Let’s see the level of hormones:
| Results | Hormone Concentration | Defects |
|---|---|---|
|
Screen negative or low-risk |
HCG level is roughly between 25700 and 288000 mIU/ml.
PAPP–A is 1 MoM (multiples of median).
|
It indicates that the baby’s chromosomes are quite normal and there is less chance for chromosomal defect. |
|
Moderate to high-risk |
Hormone concentration is extremely varied from the above-given level. |
Doctors recommend taking further levels of tests such as amniocentesis or non-invasive prenatal testing. |
Is the Double Marker Test Safe?
Yes, the double marker test is completely safe and highly recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. It’s a routine blood test to identify any risk associated with the mother and unborn fetus. However, if you have any further doubts or concerns, consult your doctor before performing.
Final Wordings
The double marker test is strictly advisable for pregnant women, especially if they have aged above 35. Determining the chromosomal abnormalities aids doctors to treat the mother and developing fetus before the situation becomes worse. Understanding its importance is essential if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
FAQs
No, the double marker test doesn’t give any clue about the baby’s gender. It is a blood test to evaluate that the baby is subjected to any risk of hormonal imbalances or chromosomal abnormalities.
If your double marker test is positive and you are also at higher risk, you should be advised to take further testing and consultation. To make an informed decision, doctors used to evaluate your health in different aspects. Based on that, they suggest tailored treatment and medications to prepare yourself to have a healthy baby with special needs.
No, the double marker test is compulsory for every woman. However, if you are getting pregnant above 35 years, there is a chance of a high risk of chromosomal issues. So that, doctors suggest such patients particularly.
The double marker test is performed between 8 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. The collected blood sample of a mother being evaluated in two different aspects: free beta-hCG and PAPP-A.
