Double Marker Test in Pregnancy: Normal Range, Procedure, Cost

Risk content: Pregnancy is an existing phase in a woman’s life, and it is filled with happiness and many concerns about the health of an unborn child. There are many tests as well as scans done by the gynecologist to offer parents a sense of satisfaction about the health of their baby. One of the known tests is the double-marker test which is done by taking a  blood sample that helps to detect abnormalities in the fetus. The test is considered part of comprehensive antenatal screening that is conducted to determine the possibilities of complications with the unborn child.  You will also get answer to your query double marker test in which week.

 Double marker test – Test to detect any kind of disorder 

A dual marker test in pregnancy is done to determine any chromosomal malfunctioning and to detect any kind of neurological conditions in the fetus. The test plays a vital part in determining problems like Down’s syndrome etc. Any chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus can lead to severe development deformities and can result in various health problems in childbirth. 

When is a double marker test in pregnancy required?

If you are confused regarding the double marker test in which week of pregnancy, then your gynaecologist will have you make an appointment for a time near the end of your first trimester or at the start of the second trimester. There are many uses of double marker tests in pregnancy : 

 

• • The test gives an idea if the fetus is at risk of any physical ailment. 

• • The test gives a chance to assess if the child is at risk of any mental issues.

• • The test is considered the primary detector of Down syndrome. 

• • The dual marker blood test also is a detector of Trisomy 18, which can lead to mental retardation and many other birth defects. 

Double marker blood test – The procedure 

Double marker test weeks are in the first trimester to avoid unforeseen complications after childbirth. Your gynaecologist will perform this test sometime between 11 to 14 weeks. However, it is not a mandatory test but is recommended if the expecting mother is more than 35 years of age or at a high risk of chromosomal issues. The test is easy to perform as there is a requirement for the blood sample of the pregnant mother. The steps involved are : 

 

• • The double marker blood test in pregnancy is done by taking the blood sample from the arteries with a syringe.

• • A doctor will then tie an elastic band on the arms to swell the blood vessels, and when the arteries are visible, an antiseptic is used to clean the area under observation. 

• • The needle is then inserted, and the sample is collected and then taken for testing. 

Double marker test – All about the test results and normal range 

The result of a double marker test during pregnancy falls under two categories. 

 

• • Screen positive 

• • Screen negative 

The test not only depends upon the blood sample but also the age of the mother and child, along with the period when the test has taken place during the nine months of pregnancy using ultrasound. Double marker test in normal pregnancy values is 25,700 to 2,88,000 mIU per mL and is a safe result and poses less threat or risks. A ratio of 1:10 to 1:250 shows positive results and is dangerous for both mother and the fetus. If your dual marker test during  pregnancy results are positive, then your doctor will further prescribe diagnostic tests. 

Double marker test – cost

Double marker test cost depends on many factors like city, hospital, quality, etc. However, it can cost between 2,500 to 3,500 INR. Double marker test in pregnancy price also depends upon the accuracy of the test results, the sensitivity of the instruments, along with the requirements of the machines. 

How can the Queen’s Gynaecology help you? 

Queen’s Gynecology is one of the best pregnancy clinics in Delhi that believes in high-quality maternity care during pregnancy for both mother and the unborn child. The clinic has a team of highly experienced best maternity doctors who handle all types of pregnancies comprising high-risk pregnancies. 

Conclusion 

The Double Marker test means a test that a pregnant woman has to undergo and that is done between 9 to 13 weeks of pregnancy and is combined with an Ultrasound test. The doctor may recommend an ultrasound first, and based on that report, they can schedule the test. Since pregnancy tests are recommended  as per the fetus growth and the double marker test weeks can help in identifying any sort of chromosomal imbalance or mental disorders in the unborn child. Generally, women above 35 years of age can have a high risk of delivering a child with Down’s syndrome. However, the test is also recommended for younger age women also. This test is important for safe childbirth and preventing mental and physical defects in the unborn child.