A double marker test is a type of test primarily suggested to pregnant women to detect chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus. This test also plays an important role in detecting any type of neurological disease in the foetus, such as Down syndrome or Edward syndrome.
Chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus can cause serious developmental disorders and lead to various health problems in the child after birth, but such abnormalities are extremely rare.
The double marker test in pregnancy is specifically given to pregnant women over the age of 35 and those who have a family history of birth defects and a history of insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes.
Applications of the double marker test
The following are the importance of the double marker test:
• Detection and prevention of down syndrome in newborns
• To determine if there is loss of muscle mass, short necks or excess skin growth on the necks of infants.
• For the benefit of the mother and the determination of oblique eyes, delayed growth, flattened facial expressions in newborns, and extreme mental and physical disabilities.
• Determining the trisomy of chromosome number 18 that would otherwise result in clenched fists and deformities of the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, and various important organs necessary for proper metabolism and functioning of the body.
• To detect a disorder, “rocking feet,” which cause the feet to deform, thereby taking on a shape like the bottom of a rocking chair.
• Recognise microcephaly (small, misshapen head), micrognathia (abnormal jaw and mouth shape), wrinkled fists, arched spine, and abnormally shaped chest.
• To detect a short sternum and delays in the neurological functions of the brain.
• Distinguishes the umbilical hernia when the mother is carrying the child.
How are the test results interpreted?
The above test result can be divided into two categories:
The positive indication and negative indication. However, the test does not only depend on blood samples.
The age of the mother and the child are two other factors that influence this. It also depends on the period when the examination will be carried out by ultrasound during the 9th month of pregnancy.
The results are therefore presented in the reports in the form of indicators. A ratio of 1:10 to 1:250 is referred to as “screen positive” results.
They are very dangerous for both the mother and the developing embryo.
A ratio of 1:1000 or higher is a safer result and poses less danger or risk.
A ratio of 1:10 implies that 1 in 10 pregnancies has a fairly high risk of developing the disease. A ratio of 1:1,000 would indicate that 1 in 1,000 pregnancies has a high-risk developmental factor.
If the test results are positive, the doctor may suggest further diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis, etc. If the test results are positive and the parents still want to continue with the pregnancy, there are many options.
Double marker test results within the normal range
A range of free human beta chorionic gonadotropin for all ages should be between 25,700 and 2,88,000 mIU per ml. This is the normal range for the test.
Dual marker test preparation
The double marker test is a simple blood test that requires no preparation. However, the doctor should be intimidated about the medications being taken before the test is done.
Double marker test cost
The cost of the double marker test varies depending on the reputation of the hospital or the diagnostic centre. The average cost of the dual marker test starts from Rs. 2,200.
Summary of evidence for double marker Test
A prenatal test called the Double Marker Test in pregnancy is used to check for chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn child.
Women over 35 should undergo this test, even though getting examined is a personal choice, as anomalies tend to worsen at this age.