Double Marker Test

Double Marker Test – Meaning, Purpose, Procedure, and Cost

by

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it also comes with responsibilities to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. One of the important prenatal screenings recommended during the first trimester is the Double Marker Test. This test plays a crucial role in detecting chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus and helps doctors provide the best medical advice for a healthy pregnancy.

What is a Double Marker Test?

The Double Marker Test, also known as the Dual Marker Test, is a blood test done during pregnancy to identify the risk of chromosomal disorders in the developing baby. It specifically screens for conditions such as:

  • Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) – a genetic disorder affecting physical growth and intellectual development.

  • Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) – a condition that causes severe developmental delays.

  • Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome) – a rare genetic disorder with serious health complications.

The test is called a “double marker” because it measures two key substances in the mother’s blood:

  1. Free Beta-hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) – a hormone produced during pregnancy.

  2. PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A) – a protein produced by the placenta.

Abnormal levels of these markers may indicate an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.

When is the Double Marker Test Done?

  • The ideal time to take the Double Marker Test is between 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy (first trimester).

  • It is often recommended along with a NT Scan (Nuchal Translucency Scan) for better accuracy.

  • Early screening allows parents and doctors to take informed decisions about further diagnostic tests if required.

Why is the Double Marker Test Important?

The test is not compulsory for every pregnant woman, but it is strongly advised for:

  • Women above 35 years of age, as the risk of genetic abnormalities increases with age.

  • Women with a family history of genetic disorders.

  • Women who had previous pregnancies with complications or genetic abnormalities.

  • Couples undergoing IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) treatment.

By identifying risks early, the test provides doctors with crucial information to plan further care, which may include amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for confirmation.

How is the Double Marker Test Done?

The procedure is simple and non-invasive:

  1. A blood sample is taken from the mother’s arm.

  2. The sample is analyzed in a laboratory to measure Free Beta-hCG and PAPP-A levels.

  3. Results are combined with the NT Scan for risk calculation.

No special preparation is required, but doctors may advise fasting in certain cases depending on additional tests.

Understanding Double Marker Test Results

The test does not confirm a disorder; it only indicates the risk level.

  • Normal Result: Suggests a low risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

  • Abnormal Result: Indicates a higher risk, but it does not mean the baby definitely has a condition. Further diagnostic tests are required for confirmation.

Risk is usually expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:5000 = low risk, 1:10 = high risk).

Benefits of Double Marker Test

  1. Early Detection of Genetic Risks – Helps identify abnormalities at an early stage.

  2. Non-Invasive – Simple blood test with no risk to mother or baby.

  3. Informed Decision-Making – Parents can plan further tests or treatment if needed.

  4. Peace of Mind – A normal report assures the mother of a healthy pregnancy.

  5. Part of Comprehensive Care – Often combined with NT Scan for higher accuracy.

Double Marker Test vs. Triple Marker Test

Many people confuse these two tests. Here’s the difference:

  • Double Marker Test: Done in the first trimester (11–14 weeks).

  • Triple Marker Test: Done in the second trimester (15–20 weeks).

Doctors may recommend one or both depending on the case.

Cost of Double Marker Test in India

The cost of a Double Marker Test varies depending on the city, hospital, and diagnostic center.

  • Average Cost Range: ₹1,500 – ₹3,500

  • In metro cities, it may be slightly higher.

With growing awareness, reliable labs like Redcliffe Labs offer affordable Double Marker Tests with free home sample collection, making it convenient for expecting mothers.

Why Choose Redcliffe Labs for Double Marker Test?

  • NABL & ISO Certified Labs ensuring accuracy.

  • Affordable Pricing with packages starting from ₹1,500 onwards.

  • Free Home Sample Collection for expecting mothers’ convenience.

  • Quick Digital Reports delivered within 24–48 hours.

  • Doctor Consultation Available to explain results and next steps.

Precautions and Next Steps

  • A high-risk result does not confirm abnormalities—it only indicates the need for further diagnostic tests.

  • Genetic counseling is often recommended for parents with abnormal results.

  • Decisions about pregnancy management should always be taken after consultation with a gynecologist.

Conclusion

The Double Marker Test is a vital prenatal screening that provides early insights into the baby’s genetic health. While it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for women at higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Conducted between 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, the test helps doctors guide parents in taking timely and informed decisions.

With trusted providers like Redcliffe Labs, expecting mothers in India can access this test easily with doorstep sample collection, accurate reports, and affordable pricing. Investing in prenatal screening ensures not just the baby’s health but also peace of mind for parents.