The Double Marker Test: A Screening Tool for Down Syndrome

The double marker test is a blood test that is used to screen for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome during pregnancy. The test measures the levels of two proteins in the blood: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

AFP is produced by the fetus, and hCG is produced by the placenta. The levels of these proteins can be affected by certain genetic disorders, so the double marker test can be used to identify women who may be at an increased risk for having a baby with one of these disorders.

The double marker test is usually done between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. It is not a diagnostic test, but it can help your doctor to determine if further testing is necessary. If your test results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These tests can provide a definitive diagnosis of Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, or Patau syndrome.

Blog Link: What is the Purpose of the Double Marker Test in Pregnancy?

The double marker test is a safe and painless test. There are no known risks associated with the test.

If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about the double marker test. The test can help you to make informed decisions about your pregnancy.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the double marker test:

• The double marker test is not 100% accurate. It can miss some cases of Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome.

• The double marker test can also produce false-positive results. This means that the test may show that you are at risk for having a baby with one of these disorders, even though your baby is healthy.

• If your double marker test results are abnormal, your doctor will discuss your options with you. You may choose to have further testing, such as amniocentesis or CVS.

The double marker test is a valuable screening tool that can help you to identify your risk for having a baby with Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, or Patau syndrome. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about the test and whether it is right for you.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the double marker test:

• What is the double marker test?

The double marker test is a blood test that is used to screen for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome during pregnancy. The test measures the levels of two proteins in the blood: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

• When is the double marker test done?

The double marker test is usually done between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.

• How much does the double marker test cost?

The cost of the double marker test varies depending on your location and your insurance coverage.

• What are the risks of the double marker test?

There are no known risks associated with the double marker test.

• What if my double marker test results are abnormal?

If your double marker test results are abnormal, your doctor will discuss your options with you. You may choose to have further testing, such as amniocentesis or CVS.

Amniocentesis and CVS are diagnostic tests that can provide a definitive diagnosis of Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. However, these tests carry a small risk of miscarriage.

If you are pregnant and you have any questions about the double marker test, talk to your doctor.