First-Trimester Triple Marker with PLGF Test
About First-Trimester Triple Marker with PLGF Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Sample Type | Venous blood |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 to 7 days |
| Recommended For | Pregnant women between 10 and 13 weeks, 6 days of gestation; all ages |
| Price | Starting at ₹3000 |
What Is a First-Trimester Triple Marker with PLGF Test?
The first-trimester triple marker with PLGF test is a prenatal screening test carried out during early pregnancy. It measures three biochemical markers in the mother's blood to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby and certain pregnancy complications. A venous blood sample is used, and results are typically combined with maternal age and, where available, an ultrasound measurement of the baby's nuchal translucency.
What Does a First-Trimester Triple Marker with PLGF Test Measure?
The first-trimester triple marker with PLGF test analyses three markers from the mother's blood. Each plays a specific role in assessing how the pregnancy is progressing. The following parameters are measured:
| Parameter | What It Is | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A) | A protein produced by the placenta | Hel Helps assess placental development; low levels may indicate chromosomal risk or placental complications |
| Free β-hCG (Free beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin) | A hormone produced by the placenta and present only in pregnancy | Abnormal levels in combination with PAPP-A raise or lower the risk score for certain chromosomal conditions |
| PlGF (Placental Growth Factor) | A molecule that supports blood vessel formation in the placenta | Low levels in the first trimester are linked to a higher risk of pre-eclampsia and foetal growth restriction |
Why Is a First-Trimester Triple Marker with PLGF Test Done?
This is a routine prenatal screening test and is offered to all pregnant women within the recommended gestational window.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is not ordered in response to specific symptoms. It is a standard part of first-trimester prenatal care. The following are situations where a doctor may particularly recommend it:
- Pregnancy confirmed within the 10 to 13 week 6-day window
- Advanced maternal age (35 years or older)
- Personal or family history of chromosomal abnormalities
- The previous pregnancy was affected by a chromosomal condition
- Pregnancy conceived via IVF or ICSI
- Abnormal findings on an early pregnancy ultrasound
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The first-trimester triple marker with PLGF screens for several conditions. These include:
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
- Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
- Pre-eclampsia (a pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure)
- Foetal growth restriction (when the baby does not grow at the expected rate)
- Placenta-related complications, including stillbirth risk and preterm birth, particularly when PAPP-A levels are very low
First Trimester Triple Marker with PLGF Test During Pregnancy
The first-trimester triple marker with PLGF test is a core component of standard antenatal care. It is routinely ordered for pregnant women between 10 and 13 weeks 6 days of gestation. The goal is to identify women who may be at higher risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, or Patau syndrome, and to flag those at increased risk of pre-eclampsia, allowing closer monitoring throughout the pregnancy.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward. Here is what you should know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your sample is collected. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or the diagnostic centre at the time of booking.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few steps will help ensure your results are as accurate as possible:
- Confirm your gestational age before booking, as the test must be done between 10 and 13 weeks 6 days
- Carry any previous ultrasound reports to your appointment, especially if a nuchal translucency scan has been done
- Inform your doctor or the collection team about all medications and supplements you are taking
- Let the laboratory know if your pregnancy was conceived via IVF or ICSI, as this can affect how results are interpreted
- Stay well-hydrated on the day of your test
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process is quick and simple. Here is what to expect:
- A trained professional will ask you to sit comfortably and confirm your details and gestational age.
- A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm using a fine needle.
- The sample is labelled with your patient details and sent to the laboratory.
- In the lab, the sample is analysed using immunoassay techniques to measure the three markers.
- The results are processed using risk calculation software that factors in your biochemical values alongside your age and other personal details.
- Your report is prepared and made available within 3 to 7 working days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence how your results are interpreted. These include:
- Incorrect gestational age at the time of testing
- Maternal body weight (higher weight may dilute marker concentrations)
- Smoking status
- Ethnicity
- Conception via IVF or ICSI (PAPP-A may be around 21% lower in such pregnancies)
- Diabetes
- Twin or multiple pregnancies (PAPP-A values are significantly higher in twin pregnancies)
Understanding Your First-Trimester Triple Marker with PLGF Test Results
Results are reported as Multiples of the Median (MoM), a value that adjusts each marker's measurement against expected levels for a given gestational age and maternal profile. A final risk score is generated from the combined markers and maternal data. Always review your results with your doctor.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Low Levels May Indicate | High Levels May Indicate |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAPP-A | 0.5 to 2.0 MoM | Increased risk of Down syndrome, pre-eclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) | Suggest typical placental functions |
| Free β-hCG | 0.5 to 2.0 MoM | May indicate Trisomy 18 or other complications | Associated with an increased risk of Down syndrome |
| PlGF | Above 5th centile for gestational age | Suggests risk of pre-eclampsia, placental insufficiency, or foetal growth restriction | Usually indicates healthy placental function |
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
Certain circumstances can affect how results should be read. Your doctor will take these into account:
- In IVF and ICSI pregnancies, PAPP-A levels are typically lower than in naturally conceived pregnancies. This can lead to higher false-positive rates for Down syndrome screening, so it is important to inform the laboratory of your conception method.
- In twin pregnancies, PAPP-A values are on average nearly double those seen in singleton pregnancies, which means standard reference ranges do not apply in the same way.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These tips are general wellness guidance and are not a substitute for medical advice:
- Attend all scheduled antenatal check-ups so your doctor can monitor your progress
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein, iron, and healthy fats to support placental health
- Stay well-hydrated and engage in gentle physical activity if your doctor recommends it
Lupin Diagnostics First-Trimester Triple Marker with PLGF Test Price and Home Collection
The first-trimester triple marker with PLGF test price starts at approximately ₹3000, and home sample collection is available across major cities in India. Here is a table showing indicative prices:
| City | Approximate Price ( ₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹3000 |
| Bengaluru | ₹3000 |
| Chennai | ₹3000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹3000 |
| Kolkata | ₹3000 |
| Pune | ₹3000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your test:
- 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
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the first-trimester triple marker with PLGF test across cities in India. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced technologists. Digital reports are shared via email or WhatsApp, making it easy to access and share results with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
The double marker test measures two markers: PAPP-A and free β-hCG. The first-trimester triple marker with PLGF test adds placental growth factor (PlGF) to the panel. This addition enhances the ability to screen for pre-eclampsia risk alongside chromosomal abnormality screening, making it a more complete first-trimester assessment.
The test must be done between 10 and 13 weeks and 6 days of gestation. Outside this window, the results cannot be interpreted accurately. Many doctors recommend the 11- to 13-week period when the test can be combined with a nuchal translucency ultrasound for a more complete risk assessment.
A high-risk result does not confirm that your baby has a chromosomal condition. This is a screening test, and further diagnostic tests are needed to confirm or rule out any abnormality. Your doctor may recommend cell-free DNA testing (NIPT), chorionic villus sampling (CVS), or amniocentesis as the next steps.
No screening test provides a guarantee. A low-risk result means the probability of the conditions screened for is lower, but it does not rule them out entirely. Some pregnancies with normal results may still be affected, and some with abnormal results carry a healthy baby. Your doctor will help you understand what your result means in context.
Yes, IVF and ICSI pregnancies can affect marker levels, particularly PAPP-A, which may be lower than expected. This can increase the chance of a false-positive result. Always inform the laboratory and your doctor about your method of conception so your results are interpreted correctly.
Low PlGF levels in the first trimester are associated with a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia and foetal growth restriction later in pregnancy. It is an early signal that allows closer monitoring. A low result does not mean these complications will definitely occur; your doctor will advise on the appropriate follow-up.
No, the first-trimester triple marker with PLGF test does not screen for neural tube defects. A separate AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) test after 15 weeks, or a detailed morphology scan between 18 and 22 weeks, is recommended for neural tube defect screening.
First-Trimester Triple Marker with PLGF Test
