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Importance of Double Marker Test

In the previous blog, where I had mentioned missing the double marker test. I had let you all know briefly that it is important to get both the tests – double marker and the quadruple marker done. Since missing either of them would be a failure. I have been there and since missing one of these tests had not just led to listening to the scolding from my doctor but missing the result too. The quadruple marker test and the double marker test allows you to let you know whether the child is suffering from any genetic illness or not.

Importance of Double Marker Test

Well, this made me let to research more about the tests and why is it important? Therefore, I would like to share with you my experience of the same. Below are the basic questions that I had in my mind when I heard about these tests. So, here we go!

What is a Quadruple Marker Test?

This is a blood test that will provide you with information regarding the health of your child in a more in-depth result. This is a test that predicts any internal health issues or genetic disease occurring in the child growing within you. Now, to make it further clear, the quadruple test will let you know if there is a problem or not, it won’t diagnose the issue. For instance, when the cholesterol screening is done, it lets you know that you would be prone to a heart issue, however, it does not state that you have heart disease.

Therefore, the quadruple marker test helps in determining if a woman undergoing pregnancy is at a lower or higher risk of carrying the baby taking birth with a defect.

What is a Double Marker Test? 

Moving on to the double marker test, it is mainly to ensure whether the fetus of the woman has any chromosomal malformation. This test will help the doctor to convey whether there are any neurological conditions pertaining to the fetus like the down’s syndrome or Edward’s Syndrome.

When I had got to know about the tests from the doctor, I treated them as just any other tests. It was later that I got to know that these tests are very important, and they have a specific time period if you surpass that you won’t be able to get the tests done. This was the case that happened to me. I was not able to get it done because of the closure of the pathology and thereafter missing my date.

The chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus can get worse by developing deformities and this could lead to various health issues. This will worsen the condition after the child has taken birth. However, these deformities are the rarest of rare conditions.

Who is recommended to undergo the double marker and quadruple marker test?

The doctors recommend every lady who is expecting a child however, there is an option for you to skip it. Having said that if you fall in any of the following factors you are strongly recommended to consider taking the test:

  • Your age is 35 years plus when the baby is due
  • Any member of your family, genetically attached, has a history of genetic or birth defects
  • Your previous child was born with a birth defect
  • You have type 1 diabetes prior to your pregnancy

Please make sure you consider your doctor if you have any of the above-mentioned issues. I recommend you take the test as a person who has experienced it first-hand.

When Should You Get a Quad Marker Test?

After knowing about who must get the quadruple marker test you need to know that when is the time period to get it done.

The doctors prescribe that you should get the test done between the 15th and the 22nd week of the pregnancy. The test can be performed in the time period. However, it is mostly said to be performed between the 16th and 18th weeks.

What happens in a quadruple?

Now, a lot of my readers would have this one question. Does it let you know completely and accurately about the issues or is it just a chance? Well, I have similar queries and therefore, would like to share with you my readings. The problems are developed in the fetus’s brain and the spinal cord. There are called open neural tube defects. Also, the quadruple marker test can just predict approximately 80% of the defects.

The genetic disorders like the down syndrome or a chromosomal abnormality are namely some which can be identified by the quadruple marker test by 75% in the cases of the women who are under the age of 35 years, while 80% to those who are above the age of 35 years.

How are the Quadruple and the Double Marker test importance?

One will always question the importance of a test before taking one. However, the following are some aspects which make the quadruple and double marker test essential:

  • It helps in the assessment of certainty and uncertainty of any mental disorder to the unborn baby.
  • The primary importance of the tests lies in detecting the down’s syndrome.
  • The double marker test helps in detecting the Trisomy 18, which might result in mental retardation and other severe birth defects.
  • It helps in the detection of Trisomy 21 T, as it is one of the caused fir mental disorders, heart disorders, and other critical health conditions which affects vital organs.

What do you need to prepare for the test?

There is no specific preparation for the blood test that you need to perform. But in case if you are on any specific medication during your pregnancy, you will need to inform your doctor and consult him about it. In rarest cases, you might be told by the doctor to stop the medication until the test has been taken.

How much does the test cost?

It isn’t one of those costly tests however, the nominal charges for this test range somewhere between 2500 to 3000 INR.

So, these were some of the major and essential information about the quadruple and double marker tests. Please make sure you consult your doctor and also follow the time to take the test.

14 Comments

  1. Anita Singh Reply

    Ye to bahut important baat aapne batai 👍👍 sabke liye ye information bahut jaruri hai
    Thanks for sharing

  2. I think I took these tests or something like these to access whether the baby was ok or not. Wow I’ve forgotten a lot.

  3. This test is so advanced and advantageous to pregnant women. It eases the stress that tje baby is developing at a normal and healthy pace.

  4. Thanks for sharing about double marker and quad marker test. It’s much needed and should not be skipped in late pregnancy

  5. In my time ,done this test just to be sure if baby health is healthy or not. Nothing is more important in pregnancy than baby health

  6. Noor Anand Chawla Reply

    I did both tests and I agree with you that they are extremely important. It is our responsibility to take them.

  7. I heard about the tests and I think these advance tests are the best to know about the foetus health properly. Thanks for the information.

  8. These tests are very important for child and mother. I know a mother, where these tests were not recommended and child was born with down syndrome. Your post shall bring awareness to many.

  9. Reminds of my twin pregnancy. My second marker came positive for trisomy 18 and it was a scary time. Even though these markers are not very reliable in case of twin pregnancies, I went for amniocentesis.

  10. These tests are very important for all pregnant women to ascertain the health of the baby and also to ensure a healthy delivery.

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