Dual Marker (Double Marker)- First Trimester Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Dual Marker (Double Marker)- First Trimester Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Double Marker Test, Dual Marker Test, First Trimester Screening, Combined First Trimester Screening, Maternal Serum Screening |
| Sample Type | Serum (blood drawn from a vein in the arm) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | Same day |
| Recommended For | Pregnant women between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,250 |
What Is a Dual Marker (Double Marker)- First Trimester Test?
The Dual Marker - First Trimester Test is a prenatal screening blood test performed between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. It measures two specific proteins in the mother's blood to estimate the risk of certain chromosomal conditions in the baby. Also called the Double Marker Test or Combined First Trimester Screening, it is a routine part of early antenatal care. The sample required is a small blood draw from the arm.
What Does a Dual Marker (Double Marker)- First Trimester Test Measure?
This test checks the levels of two biochemical markers in the mother's blood. Results are interpreted alongside an ultrasound scan for a more accurate risk estimate.
| Marker | What It Is | What Abnormal Levels May Suggest |
|---|---|---|
| Free Beta-hCG (Free Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) | A hormone produced by the developing placenta | Higher-than-normal levels may suggest increased chromosomal risk |
| PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A) | A protein produced by the placenta that rises steadily through pregnancy | Lower-than-normal levels may suggest increased chromosomal risk |
Why Is a Dual Marker (Double Marker)- First Trimester Test Done?
This test is offered as a routine screening to all pregnant women in their first trimester, not just those with specific symptoms.
Common Situations That May Prompt This Test
This is not a symptom-driven test. It is a routine prenatal screening. The following situations commonly prompt a doctor to recommend it:
- Routine first-trimester antenatal care (offered to all pregnant women)
- Maternal age above 35 years
- A family history of chromosomal conditions
- Abnormal findings on an early ultrasound scan
- Previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal disorder
- Conception through assisted reproductive technology (ART)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test estimates the statistical risk of the following chromosomal conditions:
- Down syndrome (Trisomy 21): caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, associated with developmental and intellectual challenges
- Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18): a severe chromosomal disorder caused by an extra chromosome 18
- Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13): a severe chromosomal disorder caused by an extra chromosome 13
- Low PAPP-A levels may also be associated with pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery, and restricted foetal growth
Dual Marker (Double Marker)- First Trimester Test During Pregnancy
This test is specifically designed for use during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is a standard part of combined prenatal screening offered between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation. The blood markers are assessed alongside the nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound to provide a probability estimate for trisomy 21, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. It is a non-invasive, low-risk way to gain early information about the baby's chromosomal health.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No significant preparation is needed for this test, but there are a few important steps to follow before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before the Dual Marker - First Trimester Test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment. There are no dietary restrictions to follow.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a copy of your most recent ultrasound (USG) report, including the barcode; this is required for accurate risk calculation
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical information, as this is required for the test
- Try to schedule the test between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, ideally alongside your NT scan
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking
- Make sure your pregnancy has been accurately dated by ultrasound before the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
- You arrive at the collection centre, or a trained phlebotomist visits your home.
- The skin over a vein in your arm is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
- A band is tied around the upper arm to make the vein more visible, and a needle is gently inserted to draw a small blood sample (approximately 3 ml).
- The needle is removed, and a cotton swab is pressed over the puncture site. The procedure takes only a few minutes.
- Your serum sample is processed in the laboratory using the DELFIA method, which analyses the levels of Free Beta-hCG and PAPP-A.
- The results are combined with your NT scan findings and processed through a specialised algorithm to generate a risk probability report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence how accurately the test estimates risk:
- Incorrect pregnancy dating (accurate gestational age is essential)
- Multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets
- Maternal health conditions, including gestational diabetes or obesity
- Maternal age (older age is associated with a higher baseline risk)
- Pregnancies conceived through ART may require adjusted risk calculations
- Missing or incomplete ultrasound data
Understanding Your Dual Marker (Double Marker)- First Trimester Test Results
Your results will express a risk probability for chromosomal conditions. A doctor will interpret these values in the context of your age, health history, and ultrasound findings.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Free Beta-hCG | 0.5 to 2.0 | MoM (Multiple of Median) |
| PAPP-A | 0.5 to 2.0 | MoM (Multiple of Median) |
Risk is expressed as a ratio:
- A result between 1 in 2 and 1 in 150 is considered a higher-chance result.
- A result of 1 in 151 or more is classified as a lower-chance result.
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
- Gestational diabetes and obesity can alter biochemical marker levels, which may affect risk calculations.
- Multiple pregnancies (twins or more) affect the concentration of markers in the blood, requiring adjusted interpretation.
- Conceptions through ART may produce slightly different marker patterns, and this should be disclosed to your doctor.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While these markers cannot be adjusted through lifestyle changes, a few general habits support a healthy pregnancy:
- Attend all scheduled prenatal appointments and follow your doctor's antenatal advice.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in folate, iron, and other key nutrients during pregnancy.
- If your result shows a higher chance, discuss further options such as NIPT or other diagnostic tests with your doctor.
Lupin Diagnostics Dual Marker Test Price and Home Collection
The Dual Marker - First Trimester Test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹2,250, with home sample collection available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2250 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Here is how to book your Dual Marker - First Trimester Test online with Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
The Dual Marker - First Trimester Test home collection service is available across multiple cities in India. A trained phlebotomist visits your home at a time that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and digital reports are accessible through email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Dual Marker - First Trimester Test is done between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, with the ideal window being 11 to 13 weeks. For the most accurate risk assessment, it is recommended alongside the NT (nuchal translucency) ultrasound scan.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. Simply ensure you bring your latest ultrasound report and clinical history to the collection.
A higher-chance result means the screening has identified a raised statistical probability of a chromosomal condition. It does not confirm a diagnosis. Your doctor will discuss further diagnostic options, such as NIPT or amniocentesis, to provide more definitive information.
Yes, this test is completely safe. It involves a routine blood draw from the mother's arm and carries no risk to the baby. It is a non-invasive screening test with no side effects beyond mild discomfort at the needle site.
If the result indicates a higher chance, your doctor may recommend further tests such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), amniocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Each option has different levels of detail and associated considerations, which your doctor will explain.
No, first-trimester serum screening does not assess the risk of open neural tube defects. Women who undergo this screening may be advised to have maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing at around 16 weeks of pregnancy for this purpose.
When combined with the NT ultrasound, the first-trimester screen detects approximately 85% of pregnancies affected by Down syndrome and around 80% of those affected by Edwards or Patau syndrome. It is a screening test, not a diagnostic one, so further testing may be needed for confirmation.
Dual Marker (Double Marker)- First Trimester Test: Booking, Price, and Results
