Double Marker Test – Purpose, Procedure, & Results

Key Takeaways

The Double Marker Test is an early pregnancy blood screening test that helps assess the risk of chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) in a developing baby. Usually performed during the first trimester, it measures two specific pregnancy-related proteins in the mother’s blood to estimate the likelihood of these conditions.

But why is this test recommended, how is it performed, and what do the results mean? Let’s understand its purpose, procedure, and significance in detail.

What Is a Double Marker Test in Pregnancy?

Looking for the double marker test meaning? A double marker test is a specific type of blood test that is conducted to detect any chromosomal abnormalities in the baby. Having any abnormalities in the chromosomes can lead to severe health conditions and disorders that can affect the baby’s growth within the foetus, or even later in life. With the help of this test, one can know beforehand about the presence or possibilities of certain disorders like Down’s syndrome, Edward’s syndrome, etc (1).

Also Read: Genetic Testing during Pregnancy

Why Is the Double Marker Test Done?

Doctors may recommend the Double Marker Test for the following reasons (2):

• To assess chromosomal abnormalities: It helps estimate the risk of conditions such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13).
• For early risk assessment: The test provides information about potential chromosomal risks during the first trimester, giving parents and doctors more time to consider the next steps.
• In cases of advanced maternal age: Women aged 35 years or above may be advised to undergo this screening because the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities increases with maternal age.
• When there is a family history of genetic conditions: Doctors may recommend the test if either parent has a family history of genetic disorders or a previous pregnancy affected by chromosomal abnormalities.
• If ultrasound findings are abnormal: Certain findings during an early pregnancy ultrasound, including an increased nuchal translucency (NT) measurement, may prompt doctors to recommend additional screening.
• To improve screening accuracy: When combined with an NT scan, the Double Marker Test provides a more comprehensive assessment of chromosomal risk than the blood test alone.

What Is the Ideal Time to Take a Double Marker Test?

The ideal time to undergo a Double Marker Test is between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, usually alongside the first-trimester NT scan (3). Taking the test within this recommended window helps assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and allows doctors to plan further evaluation if needed.

What Are the Advantages of Double Marker Tests?

The double marker blood test in pregnancy helps detect chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus. But this is just one of the reasons for conducting this test. Some other reasons why doctors suggest this test are mentioned below:

The double marker test is a very reliable test, and most of the time, it helps detect any abnormalities or issues accurately.

In case the test results are positive, i.e., the chromosomal abnormalities are detected, further diagnostic procedures or measures can be undertaken to pinpoint the problem. This test helps identify the anomalies soon.

Doctors usually recommend an advanced test to check for Down’s syndrome or Edward’s syndrome in the baby once this test is conducted. Performing this test, helps a doctor identify a problem and provide the necessary course of treatment before it becomes too late (4).

In case the test results are positive, and a neurological condition is diagnosed,  you can choose to terminate the pregnancy without complications, in the early stages of pregnancy.

Also Read: Blood Tests in Pregnancy

What Are the Limitations of the Double Marker Test?

The disadvantages of this test are not known. Since doctors recommend this test only when they deem it essential, it may not be available in all the cities. If your doctor advises this test, you might have to travel to another city for the same.

How to Prepare for the Double Marker Test?

As double marker test is essentially a blood test, no specific preparations will be required from your end. However, if you are on any medications during pregnancy, inform your doctor about it. In rare cases, you might be advised to stop taking the medication until the test is undertaken. Also, if you have any allergies or medical conditions, do let your doctor know about it.

How Is the Double Marker Test Performed?

The Double Marker Test for pregnancy involves a simple blood sample collection followed by laboratory analysis. The process usually includes these steps (5):

1. Blood Sample Collection: A small blood sample is drawn from the mother’s arm by a healthcare professional.

2. Measurement of Two Markers: The laboratory checks two specific pregnancy-related substances:

3. Laboratory Analysis: The collected sample is analysed to measure the levels of both markers.

4. Risk Calculation: The marker levels are assessed along with the mother’s age, gestational age, and NT scan findings to estimate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

5. Report Generation: The results are presented as a low-risk or high-risk screening outcome to help the doctor decide whether further testing is needed.

Also Read: Urine and Urine Culture Tests in Pregnancy

How Are Double Marker Test Results Interpreted?

The Double Marker Test results are generally classified into two categories: screen positive (high risk) and screen negative (low risk) (5).

• Screen Positive (High Risk): A risk ratio between 1:10 and 1:250 indicates a higher likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities.
• Screen Negative (Low Risk): A risk ratio of 1:1000 or above indicates a lower likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities.

What Are the Normal Values of the Double Marker Test?

The double marker test normal range is depicted as follows.

What Is the Difference Between a Double Marker and an NT Scan?

The NT scan is an ultrasound procedure, whereas the double marker test involves a blood sample. Beyond their testing methods, there are no major distinctions between the two. Both are typically advised during the first trimester, and doctors often recommend conducting both tests as part of the first-trimester screening to obtain the most reliable results. In fact, the NT scan is deemed less effective if it is not accompanied by the double marker scan (6).

How Much Does the Double Marker Test Cost?

The dual marker test price will vary across cities and hospitals. The double marker test price would be somewhere between Rs. 1000 and Rs. 5000. The average cost of this test is about Rs. 2500 in many cities.

FAQs

1. Can my previous pregnancies affect the Double Marker Test results?

Yes, if you have had previous pregnancies with complications or specific genetic conditions, it may influence the interpretation of your Double Marker Test results. Your healthcare provider may consider your obstetric history when assessing your risk levels and may recommend additional screenings.

2. Can the results of the Double Marker Test change as the pregnancy progresses?

Yes, the risk assessment from the Double Marker Test can change based on additional factors that arise during the pregnancy. For instance, if you receive a high-risk result, follow-up testing and monitoring may provide updated information, potentially leading to different conclusions as more data becomes available.

3. Are there specific populations that should consider the Double Marker Test more seriously?

Certain populations, such as women over the age of 35, those with a family history of genetic disorders, or individuals from ethnic backgrounds with higher prevalence rates for specific conditions, may be advised to take the Double Marker Test more seriously. These groups may have a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities, making early screening particularly important.

4. Can the Double Marker Test give false-positive results?

Yes, a false-positive result is possible. This means the test may indicate a high risk even when the baby does not have the screened chromosomal condition.

5. What if I miss the recommended time for the Double Marker Test?

The test is generally performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. If you miss this window, consult your gynaecologist about alternative prenatal screening options.

While pregnant, you pray for nothing more but good health of your child. To ensure that your baby is healthy and grows up to lead a normal life, you must follow a balanced diet, incorporate necessary lifestyle changes, and make the right efforts to keep yourself and the baby safe. However, there are chances that even after doing the right thing, the test results could point towards the presence of a disorder in the baby. In such a case, you should discuss with your spouse whether you want to keep the baby or not. The decision to terminate the pregnancy would obviously be hard to make, but you should consider the consequences. If you can’t come to a conclusion, consult with your doctor, he will suggest what you should do.

Also Read:

Triple Marker Test during Pregnancy
Quadruple Marker Test in Pregnancy
Sequential Test while Pregnant
Common Trimester Wise Test in Pregnancy
Screening and Diagnostic Tests in Pregnancy for Birth Defects

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Sources References

1. Apollo Diagnostics – Why Double Marker Screening Is Crucial in Early Pregnancy

2. Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital – Double Marker Test in Pregnancy

3. Apollo 247 – Double Marker Test: Results, Normal Range, Procedures and Purpose

4. NHS – Screening for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome

5. Amrita Hospital – Double Marker Test (First-Trimester Combined Screening)

6. Cleveland Clinic – Nuchal Translucency