ASHWIN SCANS in collaboration with LUPIN  offers

1. Double marker ( 10-14 weeks)

2. Triple marker ( 15-20 weeks )

3. Quadruple marker  (15-20weeks )

4. NIPT-Non invasive prenatal testing ( 10-20 weeks) to rule out chromosomal and neural tube defects in pregnancy.
 

We are proposing a very reasonable rates for benefit to the patients.

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What is the Purpose of the Double Marker Test in Pregnancy ?

The double marker test, also known as the first-trimester screening test, is a prenatal test conducted to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. It is usually part of the combined first-trimester screening and involves a blood test along with an ultrasound. Here’s a detailed look at its purposes and applications:

1. Screening for Chromosomal Abnormalities

• Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21): The primary focus of the double marker test is to evaluate the risk of the fetus having Down syndrome, a condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.

• Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome): The test also screens for the risk of Trisomy 18, another serious chromosomal condition that usually leads to severe developmental delays and is often fatal early in life.

• Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome): While not the primary focus, it can sometimes provide indications of Trisomy 13, associated with severe physical and intellectual disabilities.

2. Assessing Specific Biomarkers

• The test measures two specific substances in the mother’s blood:

  • Free Beta-hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): A hormone produced by the placenta. Higher levels can be indicative of an increased risk for Down syndrome.

  • PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A): A protein produced by the placenta. Lower levels of PAPP-A can be associated with an increased risk for Down syndrome and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.

3. Combined with Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan

• Ultrasound Component: The double marker test is usually combined with the nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound scan. The NT scan measures the fluid collection at the back of the fetal neck. Increased nuchal translucency can indicate a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

• Enhanced Risk Calculation: Combining NT measurements with the double marker blood test provides a more accurate risk assessment for chromosomal abnormalities than either method alone.

4. Early Detection and Decision Making

• Timing: The test is performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, allowing for early detection of potential issues.

• Informed Decisions: Early results can help expecting parents make informed decisions regarding further diagnostic testing (such as CVS or amniocentesis), potential early interventions, or pregnancy management options.

5. Guiding Further Diagnostic Testing

• Risk Assessment: Based on the combined results of the biomarkers and the NT scan, a risk score is calculated. If the risk is high, further diagnostic tests, like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, might be recommended to confirm the presence of chromosomal abnormalities.

• Reducing Unnecessary Procedures: For those with low-risk results, the test can reduce the need for more invasive diagnostic procedures, which carry their own risks.

6. Providing Reassurance

• Normal Results: For many parents, a low-risk result provides reassurance and can be a relief, reducing anxiety about potential chromosomal conditions.

How the Double Marker Test is Conducted

1. Blood Sample Collection:

   • A small sample of the mother’s blood is drawn, typically from a vein in the arm.

2. Laboratory Analysis:

   • The blood sample is analyzed in a laboratory to measure the levels of free beta-hCG and PAPP-A.

3. Nuchal Translucency Scan:

   • An ultrasound scan is conducted to measure the nuchal translucency at the back of the fetal neck.

4. Risk Calculation:

   • The results of the blood test and the NT scan are combined with other factors (like maternal age and gestational age) to calculate a risk score for chromosomal abnormalities.

Interpreting the Results

• Risk Ratio: The results are presented as a risk ratio, such as 1 in 1,000 or 1 in 50, indicating the likelihood of the fetus having a chromosomal abnormality.

• High Risk: A higher risk result (e.g., 1 in 100 or higher) may prompt further diagnostic testing.

• Low Risk: A lower risk result (e.g., 1 in 1,000 or lower) generally suggests no further testing is needed, though it doesn’t completely rule out chromosomal abnormalities.

Considerations and Limitations

• Screening Test: The double marker test is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. It assesses risk but does not diagnose a condition.

• False Positives/Negatives: There can be false positives (indicating high risk when there is none) and false negatives (indicating low risk when there is a problem).

• Further Testing: A high-risk result should be followed by more definitive tests (CVS or amniocentesis) for confirmation.

Conclusion

The double marker test is a valuable early screening tool that helps in assessing the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. By combining biochemical markers with ultrasound data, it provides a comprehensive risk assessment, guiding further diagnostic decisions and helping parents prepare for any potential outcomes.

Further Reading:

1. American Pregnancy Association on First Trimester Screening: American Pregnancy Association - First Trimester Screening

2. Mayo Clinic on Double Marker Test: Mayo Clinic - Double Marker Test

3. Johns Hopkins Medicine on Nuchal Translucency Screening: Johns Hopkins - Nuchal Translucency Screening

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