What is a Double Marker Test in pregnancy?

It can be overwhelming and unfortunate for parents if a newly born child suffers from any genetic disorder. A happy time can be overtaken by concerns and worries when someone suddenly gets such a type of shock. To avoid such unexpected challenges, expecting parents must have a clear understanding of their child's health, including genetic testing such as a double-marker or triple-marker test.

What is a Double Marker Test?

This is a simple test conducted to determine the risk of genetic disorders in the unborn child by analyzing the DNA of the fetus.

A double marker test is used during pregnancy to detect any chromosomal abnormality in the fetus. The test also detects neurological abnormalities in the fetus that may develop into a serious condition like Edward’s or Down’s syndrome after birth if left undetected during the time of pregnancy. Although these kinds of abnormalities are rare, performing tests becomes necessary if the risk is higher, especially for those women who have a family history of abnormalities and type 1 diabetes, or women who are more than 35 years old.

The dual marker test is commonly performed between the 11th and 13th week of a pregnancy's first trimester. In India, at least 1 pregnant woman out of 400 (approx.) carries a genetic abnormality. More invasive testing may be required if the test result is unusual.

How does the Double Marker Test help?

• The double marker test helps to assess the risk to the unborn child.
• It detects Down’s syndrome.
• It also detects Trisomy 18, another birth disorder that causes severe birth defects and some mental disorders.
• The Double marker test also helps in the diagnosis of Trisomy 21.T, which is responsible for heart and mental abnormalities along with other problems.

Double Marker Test procedure and preparation

The test doesn't require any special preparation; it's basically a simple blood test. If an expecting woman is on certain medications, then it is best to take her gynecologist's advice. The test measures two specific components of glycoprotein, PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A) and Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin hormone, which are released from the placenta during pregnancy. 

The test accounts for the age of the mother, the fetus's age during the ultrasound, and other factors. All these factors help in the interpretation of the result. As compared to younger women, older women (those over the age of 35) have a significantly higher risk of genetic abnormalities.

The test is simple. The blood sample is drawn from the woman’s arm without any risk, just like other normal tests, by following all the protocols and in a completely hygienic way. And if the test results come positive, then other confirmatory tests may be required, like amniocentesis and others. The test requires previous test reports of the expecting woman, her latest ultrasound report, and a blood sample.

An ultrasound report and a blood sample help in the analysis of the double marker test. The test detects the two markers: pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and human chorionic gonadotropin (beta hCG). The placenta produces beta-hCG hormone during pregnancy. A high level of this hormone in the blood sample of a pregnant woman indicates the high risk of Down’s syndrome and Trisomy 18. whereas low levels of PAPP or plasma protein show a high risk of Down’s syndrome.

Cost of Double Marker Test

The cost of a double marker can vary from place to place, and the availability of this test is limited. It may cost 2000–3000 INR depending on the specific lab technology required for the analysis of blood samples. This is just the tentative price range, so the cost of the double marker test is not fixed.

Double Marker Test at “Redcliffe Labs”

The test is very useful in assessing the health of the developing fetus inside the womb, and this test should not be skipped during pregnancy. The test needs only a blood sample, so in such a stressful time, the advantage of the home collection service can be available. Just give a call at the numbers given on the website of

"Redcliffe Labs" for free sample collection. And the test report can be collected online within 48 hours of sample collection.

Redcliffe Labs offers the highest quality lab tests. To book the tests, simply log on at www.redcliffe.com or give a call on the displayed numbers.

What are Quadruple-Marker and Triple-Marker Tests?

These tests can be carried out during the 2nd trimester (15th–20th week) of pregnancy to detect any genetic disorder. In both the tests, the quadruple test is more sensitive and accurate.

“Redcliffe Labs” is making the diagnosis easy by offering various tests at an affordable price for the general population, including the double marker test and other prenatal screening tests.

An accurate and early detection helps a couple to make an informed decision about the fetus and the family's future.

Prenatal Testing Benefits from Redcliffe Labs

• Pre-genetic counseling from genetic specialists
• Quick test results and non-invasive test methods
• A reliable free sample collection service
• More accurate with cutting-edge technology (99.9% accuracy) than traditional testing

What is the purpose of a Double Marker Test?

The test determines the abnormality and also offers mental peace and clarity of fetal health too. It is just a screening test that is often recommended by the gynecologist and is done within the 3 months or first trimester of pregnancy. it should be noted that the double marker test is not a confirmatory test.

A pregnant woman’s recommended tests can easily scale up, and some tests are more crucial to perform to ensure the proper health of the fetus and the mother too. If the gynecologist suspects some upcoming issues with the child, non-invasive prenatal tests can become necessary for the mother.

The double marker tests check for any genetic anomalies present in the developing baby. Any chromosomal abnormality can lead to serious health disorders in the expecting child that can affect the fetus's growth inside the womb or after birth.