Double Marker Test: Purpose, Timing, Procedure, and Benefits
The double marker test is an important prenatal screening test performed during early pregnancy. It helps assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in the developing baby and supports informed decision-making for expectant parents. This test is commonly recommended as part of first-trimester screening and is safe, non-invasive, and reliable when done at the right time. What Is a Double Marker Test? The double marker test is a blood test that measures two specific biochemical markers in the mother’s blood: Free Beta HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A) The levels of these markers, along with maternal age and ultrasound findings, help estimate the risk of chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18). When Is the Double Marker Test Done? The double marker test is usually performed between 9 to 13 weeks of pregnancy , with optimal accuracy when combined with a nuchal...