Pregascreen Dual Marker Reflex Test
Sample Type
Recommended for
Report
The Pregascreen Dual Test (also called First Trimester Serum Dual Marker Test) is a prenatal screening test done in the first trimester (between 8 and 13.6 weeks of pregnancy) to assess the chance of fetal chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), neural tube defects, Trisomy 18 etc. It measures two substances in the mother’s blood viz. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and Free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (free ß-hCG) and provides a risk assessment. If the initial screening shows a higher-than-average risk, a confirmatory test like Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) or Karyotyping/FISH of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is recommended for a more precise diagnosis.
Price : ₹ 3,600
- Screen for chromosomal abnormalities: The Pregascreen Dual Marker test, a first-trimester screening, assesses the chance of the fetus having chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome.
- Early pregnancy risk assessment: Done between 8 and 13.6 weeks, it provides a preliminary risk evaluation in the first trimester.
- Identifies pregnancies with higher risk: The test helps flag pregnancies that might have a higher chance of chromosomal abnormalities.
- Guides need for confirmatory testing: If the screening shows a higher-than-average risk, it prompts further investigation with a confirmatory test.
- Confirmatory test options: The confirmatory tests recommended after a positive screen are Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) or Karyotyping/FISH of chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These provide a more definitive diagnosis.
The Serum Dual Marker test measures two substances in the mother’s blood to assess the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities:
- Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A): This protein is produced by the placenta and normally increases during a healthy pregnancy. Low levels of PAPP-A may be associated with an increased risk of Down syndrome.
- Free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (free ß-hCG): This hormone is produced by the developing baby and normally rises in early pregnancy. However, abnormally high or low levels of free ß-hCG may be associated with an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome.
If the screening shows a higher risk, further confirmatory testing like NIPT or Karyotyping/FISH of CVS is recommended for a more precise diagnosis.
The test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.
- High HCG level indicates multiple pregnancies.
- Low levels of HCG indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
- Abnormal PAPPa levels may indicate high risk pregnancies.
- A more specific screening test (NIPT) or genetic screening from maternal blood or Karyotyping/FISH of CVS may be required for confirmation.
