Double Marker Test - A Type of Pregnancy Test

Pregnant women have to undergo a lot of pregnancy tests during pregnancy. Double marker test is one of such tests carried out during pregnancy. Double marker tests help to detect the abnormalities in the unborn child. Read on to know more about double marker tests.Today, there are so many tests available for pregnant women that sometimes it gets quite confusing. There is a double marker test available for identifying down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. In fact, it is detection of pre-birth conditions of the foetus and is usually done after 8 weeks of pregnancy up to 14 weeks. This test detects any kind of chromosomal abnormalities that might occur after the conception occurs. This is not completely unusual as it occurs in every 700 births. In this articleCharacteristics of Down SyndromeWhy is the Double Marker Test Significant?Advantages of Double Marker TestDisadvantages of Double Marker TestWhat is the next course of action if the double marker test is positive?Is it necessary to undergo a double marker test?In which pregnancy week is a double marker test usually carried out?What is the cost for undergoing a double marker test?What if a double marker test shows negative results?Is it alright to do the double marker test after 14 weeks?How is the double marker test done?How to prepare for the double marker test?Can folic acid help to prevent down syndrome?What are the risks of not taking folic acid supplements during pregnancy?What are the chromosomal abnormalities?What are the neurological abnormalities?How is the blood sample collected for the double marker test?How are the results of the double marker test interpreted?Which other tests are recommended if the double marker test is positive?What is the difference between the double marker test and the triple marker test?Which women have greater chances of getting positive results?Why is the double marker test recommended for women who are above 35 years of age?Is it possible to prevent down syndrome in babies during pregnancy?Is it possible to detect down syndrome in babies with the help of ultrasound?Which are the different types of tests used for detecting genetic disorders during pregnancy?What kind of disorders can be detected with the help of the genetic tests?Characteristics of Down SyndromePeople who have down syndrome have slight to severe abnormalities –Eyes can incline upwards and outwardsA single crease can be seen running across the palm of the personSmall handsLow set earsProne to certain medical conditions like heart problems, defects in the digestive tract and sight and hearing problemsLearning disabilityLife span is lessWhy is the Double Marker Test Significant?Today we have various tests available and with a double marker test you can detect whether down syndrome is present in your unborn or not. This is important for a woman if she gets pregnant after 35. The probability of having a baby with chromosomal imbalance or down syndrome is likely for elderly pregnant women. It is advisable that all pregnant women should go through this test so that they are sure that the baby is completely normal.There are different screening tests available in various hospitals. These tests are either separate or a combination of an ultrasound and blood test. However, these are simply screening tests and will tell you how high your risk is and nothing else. You will come to know whether the baby you are carrying in your womb will have down syndrome or not. To know more about such tests and the pregnancy weeks during such tests are done, you must consult your obstetrician.There have been a lot of debates regarding the accuracy of these tests. However, they are considered pretty accurate and are referred by the doctors as well. The accuracy also depends on how good the sonography machine is and how talented and trained the test conductor is. In fact, there are so many factors that matter that it is very difficult to tell the exact calculation and report.Furthermore, the reality is that we have got a chance to know whether or not our child is completely normal. So why not go through it to ensure precautions?Advantages of Double Marker TestHere are some of the advantages of double marker test.It gives you time to think and consult your doctor for another advanced test if your baby is detected with down syndrome.You can go through the diagnostic test if double marker tests turn positive.You have good detection rates.If your foetus is reported positive after the screening test and you go for a diagnostic test finding it to be true, you can go for pregnancy termination. If this test is done earlier the complications of termination will be less and you can even choose to end your pregnancy through suction termination.Disadvantages of Double Marker TestTake a quick look at the disadvantages of double marker tests.It is expensive and unaffordable for many.It is available in selected cities only.If you find that the double marker test is available and you would like to get it done, it is better you consult your obstetrician before you do so. Ask your doctor as many questions as you want to undergo the test when assured.FAQs Related to Double Marker TestTake a quick look at the frequently asked questions related to the double marker test.What is the next course of action if the double marker test is positive?The positive double marker test results indicate that foetus has chances of developing chromosomal abnormalities. If the double marker test shows positive results, the doctor may advise to do a few more tests. He or she may compare the results of all the test based on which he or she may advice the couple to terminate the pregnancy. In this case, couple can choose to abort the pregnancy in the initial stages itself. As it more painful to see the child with the lifelong condition, most of the couples choose to terminate the pregnancy in its early stages after which they plan a healthy pregnancy once again under the supervision of an obstetrician.Is it necessary to undergo a double marker test?Double marker test is usually suggested to women who are over 35 years of age or who have family history of chromosomal abnormalities. This test is very useful in determining the pre-birth condition in the foetus and helps couples to decide whether they should terminate the pregnancy or carry the pregnancy forward.In which pregnancy week is a double marker test usually carried out?Double marker test is usually carried out in the first trimester of pregnancy which is usually between 8 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. What is the cost for undergoing a double marker test?The average cost of undergoing a double marker test is around Rs.2000 across India.What if a double marker test shows negative results?If the double marker test shows negative results the chances of chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus are very low. In this case a couple can decide to carry on with the pregnancy after consulting the obstetrician. Is it alright to do the double marker test after 14 weeks?Double marker tests can be done between 14th to 20th weeks of pregnancy. Ideally this test should be done between 8th to 14th week of pregnancy. If the results are known during the early pregnancy itself, it will be helpful for the couples to make the right decision. So, if the doctor advises a pregnant woman to undergo a double marker test, she should undergo it during the early pregnancy itself.How is the double marker test done?Double marker test is conducted by performing an ultrasound scan on a pregnant woman as well as by drawing her blood. It tests for two markers which are known as Free Beta HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and PAPP – A (Pregnancy associated plasma protein A).How to prepare for the double marker test?There is no need to do specific preparations for undergoing a double marker test. As this test is conducted by drawing blood, there is no need to do any kind of preparation unless advised by a doctor. In case if a pregnant woman is on any medication, she must inform her doctor about it so that he or she can advise her accordingly before she undergoes this test.Can folic acid help to prevent down syndrome?As per the advice of the doctor, pregnant women should take folic acid as per the prescription in order to prevent down syndrome in the baby. It is ideal to take folic acid when a pregnancy is planned so that down syndrome and other birth defects can be prevented.What are the risks of not taking folic acid supplements during pregnancy?If folic acid supplements are not taken during pregnancy, the baby is exposed to the risk of neural tube defects. These are the disorders that affect the brain, spine or spinal cord.What are the chromosomal abnormalities?Chromosomal abnormalities are also known as structural abnormalities. These abnormalities take place in the foetus when a part of an individual chromosome gets separated and attached to another chromosome, gets missing or turns upside down. Such abnormalities also take place when a chromosome is extra. Such abnormalities can take place when an egg or a sperm is developed or when the foetus is in its early stages of development.What are the neurological abnormalities?Neurological abnormalities are the abnormalities related to the peripheral and central nervous system. How is the blood sample collected for the double marker test?A blood sample is drawn from the vein in the arm of the woman with the help of a needle. The procedure followed while collecting the blood sample is the same as the procedure followed for collecting blood samples for other blood tests.How are the results of the double marker test interpreted?The results of the double marker test can be interpreted as positive and negative. The test does not provide the confirmed results that a baby has chromosomal or neurological disorder. It actually examines the chances of the baby developing the disorder. If the ratio is between 1:10 to 1:250 it is considered as Screen positive. It means that the baby is at higher risk of developing chromosomal or neurological disorder. If the ratio 1:1000 it is considered as Screen negative. It means that the baby has a very low chance of developing chromosomal or neurological disorder. Although, if positive results are interpreted, doctors may advise you to undergo other tests so that the right decision can be taken.Which other tests are recommended if the double marker test is positive? If the double marker test is positive, doctors may advise the pregnant woman to undergo triple marker test and quadruple marker test. After the woman undergoes other tests and the results are obtained, the doctor may compare the result of all of these tests and provide his opinion on whether the couple should carry forward the pregnancy or not.What is the difference between the double marker test and the triple marker test?The double marker test checks for only two hormones. These two hormones are known as HCG and PAPP-A. In the triple marker test three hormones are checked. These hormones include hormones like AFP, HCG and estriol.Which women have greater chances of getting positive results?Women who fall in the high-risk pregnancy category have greater chances of getting positive results. Such women include women who are more than 35 years old as well as women who have family history of genetic disorders.Why is the double marker test recommended for women who are above 35 years of age?Women who are above 35 years of age are likely to give birth to babies coping with chromosomal or neurological disorders or birth defects. Therefore, doctors advise such women to undergo a double marker test during the first trimester of their pregnancy. Is it possible to prevent down syndrome in babies during pregnancy?It is possible to prevent down syndrome in babies during pregnancy. It is necessary to take all the prescribed vitamin supplements including folic acid. Folic acid supplements are the most important supplements as they play a very important role in preventing birth defects. Therefore, it is advisable to take these supplements when the pregnancy is planned. At the same time, it is necessary to follow a healthy lifestyle and quit poor habits like smoking and drinking in order to give birth to healthy babies. Exercising regularly and practising relaxation techniques can also prove useful in having a healthy pregnancy and giving birth to healthy babies.Is it possible to detect down syndrome in babies with the help of ultrasound?Sometimes if the fluid is detected at the back of the neck of foetus in ultrasound, it can mark the possibility of down syndrome in the foetus. This method is known as the measurement of nuchal translucency. In this method ultrasound scan is used along with blood tests in the first trimester as well as in the second trimester.Which are the different types of tests used for detecting genetic disorders during pregnancy?Different types of tests that are used for detecting genetic disorders during pregnancy include tests like amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, double marker test, triple marker test, quadruple marker test etc.What kind of disorders can be detected with the help of the genetic tests?The following disorders can be detected with the help of the genetic tests.Down syndromeEdwards syndromeTrisomy 13Trisomy 18Spine and brain disorders like spina bifidaNow that you are completely aware of what a double marker test is, you can undergo it without having any doubts in your mind. If you have any more doubts related to this test, do not hesitate to share them with us using the comment box given below.What is a double marker test? Is it necessary to undergo a double marker test? What measures should be followed if the double marker test shows positive results? Discuss here.