DoubleMarkerTest—EarlyPregnancyScreening
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu
MBBS · MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine · 20+ years of clinical experience
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WhatisaDoubleMarkerTest?
The Double Marker Test, also known as the Dual Marker Test, is a prenatal screening test performed during the first trimester of pregnancy to assess the chance of certain chromosomal abnormalities in the developing baby.
The test is performed using a maternal blood sample and evaluates two pregnancy-related substances. The results are interpreted along with factors such as gestational age and other clinical or ultrasound findings to estimate the likelihood of chromosomal conditions.
Screening window
9–14 weeks
WhatdoestheDoubleMarkerTestmeasure?
Free beta-hCG
A pregnancy-related hormone measured in the mother's blood as one of the two markers used in the screening assessment.
PAPP-A
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, a protein produced during pregnancy and measured as part of first-trimester screening.
Whomaybeadvisedtohavethetest?
Pregnant women aged 35 years or older.
A family history of congenital or chromosomal abnormalities.
A family history of diabetes or other relevant medical conditions may be considered by the treating doctor.
Pregnancies where first-trimester screening is being considered as part of routine prenatal assessment.
WhenistheDoubleMarkerTestperformed?
The Double Marker Test is performed during the first trimester of pregnancy.
The AMVI Hospitals page states that the test is generally performed between the 9th and 14th week of pregnancy.
The test may be performed alongside an ultrasound examination as part of first-trimester screening.
HowistheDoubleMarkerTestperformed?
A blood sample is collected from the pregnant patient.
The blood sample is analysed for free beta-hCG and PAPP-A.
An ultrasound examination may also be performed as part of the screening assessment.
The laboratory findings are combined with relevant pregnancy information to assess the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities.
Howtoprepareforthetest?
No elaborate preparation is generally required for the blood test.
Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking.
Inform your doctor about any allergies or relevant medical conditions.
Depending on the medication and your individual circumstances, your doctor may advise whether any medication needs to be temporarily withheld.
WhatcantheDoubleMarkerTestscreenfor?
Whatdotheresultsmean?
Lower risk / Negative
A negative or lower-risk result means the estimated chance of the screened chromosomal abnormalities is low. It does not completely rule out a chromosomal condition.
Higher risk / Positive
A positive or higher-risk result does not confirm that the baby has a chromosomal abnormality. Your doctor may recommend additional screening or diagnostic testing to assess the finding further.
Whyisfirst-trimesterscreeninguseful?
Early screening
The test can be performed during the first trimester, allowing chromosomal risk assessment early in pregnancy.
Simple blood test
The test requires a maternal blood sample and does not involve an invasive procedure on the pregnancy.
Additional information
The results can help your doctor decide whether further screening or diagnostic evaluation may be appropriate.
Important to remember
The Double Marker Test is a screening test rather than a definitive diagnostic test. Results should therefore be interpreted by your obstetrician together with your pregnancy history, gestational age and relevant ultrasound findings.