Double Marker Test – Importance, Procedure, Timing & Result Interpretation
The Double Marker Test is a key first-trimester prenatal screening performed between the 9th and 13th week of pregnancy. It measures two important substances in the mother’s blood—Free Beta-hCG and PAPP-A—to evaluate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) in the developing fetus.
Usually done in combination with the Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan, this non-invasive test helps identify high-risk pregnancies early. It does not diagnose a condition but provides risk probabilities, allowing doctors to recommend further diagnostic tests if needed.
The Double Marker Test is a valuable tool in ensuring early and informed pregnancy care.