Pregascreen Dual Marker Reflex Test

• Screen for chromosomal abnormalities: The Pregascreen Dual Marker test, a first-trimester screening, assesses the chance of the fetus having chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome.
• Early pregnancy risk assessment: Done between 8 and 13.6 weeks, it provides a preliminary risk evaluation in the first trimester.
• Identifies pregnancies with higher risk: The test helps flag pregnancies that might have a higher chance of chromosomal abnormalities.
• Guides need for confirmatory testing: If the screening shows a higher-than-average risk, it prompts further investigation with a confirmatory test.
• Confirmatory test options: The confirmatory tests recommended after a positive screen are Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) or Karyotyping/FISH of chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These provide a more definitive diagnosis.

The Serum Dual Marker test measures two substances in the mother's blood to assess the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities:

• Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A): This protein is produced by the placenta and normally increases during a healthy pregnancy. Low levels of PAPP-A may be associated with an increased risk of Down syndrome.
• Free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (free ß-hCG): This hormone is produced by the developing baby and normally rises in early pregnancy. However, abnormally high or low levels of free ß-hCG may be associated with an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome.

If the screening shows a higher risk, further confirmatory testing like NIPT or Karyotyping/FISH of CVS is recommended for a more precise diagnosis.

The test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

• High HCG level indicates multiple pregnancies.
• Low levels of HCG indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. 
• Abnormal PAPPa levels may indicate high risk pregnancies. 
• A more specific screening test (NIPT) or genetic screening from maternal blood or Karyotyping/FISH of CVS may be required for confirmation.

The double marker test, also known as dual marker test, is a prenatal screening test performed during the first trimester to assess the potential risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus. It involves a maternal blood test from the mother along with an ultrasound exam.

The double marker test, or dual marker test, is recommended for women who are between 9 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. It is especially advised for women over 35 and those with a family history of chromosomal or neurological disorders.

The double marker test is essential for the early detection of any chromosomal abnormalities, enabling timely decision-making and further diagnostic testing if needed. It aids in identifying risks related to Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and other genetic disorders.

The double marker test is recommended for all pregnant women, especially those over 35 years old, those with a family history of birth defects or genetic disorders, and those with a history of insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes.

No, the double marker test is not mandatory. However, it’s highly recommended for women at a high risk to help detect potential chromosomal abnormalities early and manage them appropriately.

The benefits of the double marker test, or the dual marker test, includes an early detection of chromosomal abnormalities, non-invasive procedure, risk assessment, and the opportunity for early planning and decision-making regarding pregnancy. It also aids in identifying potential health concerns for both the mother and the fetus.

The normal range for hCG in the double marker test is 25,700 and 288,000 mIU/ml for all age groups. For PAPP-A, the normal level is 1 MoM (multiple of the median) for females across all age groups.

No, fasting is not required before the double marker test or double marker blood test. However, it’s important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking prior the test.

Ideally, the double marker test should be conducted between 9 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. If this window is missed, a quadruple marker test can be performed between 15 to 21 weeks of pregnancy to assess risk.

A positive result in the double marker test indicates a moderate to high risk of chromosomal abnormalities. In these cases, further diagnostic tests such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) or amniocentesis may be suggested to confirm the diagnosis.

The double marker test results are indicated as a ratio, usually between 1:10 and 1:250. A low-risk or screen-negative result means the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities is low, while a moderate-risk or high-risk result indicates a higher chance and suggests further testing is needed.

Yes, home sample collection is available for the double marker test from some labs, such as Metropolis Healthcare. They follow safe and clean methods when taking the blood sample.

The reports of the double marker test typically take 24 hours, depending on the day/time the sample collected and processed.