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Overview

Double Marker Test

Double Marker Test

The double marker test is suggested for a pregnant women above 35 years of age who carry a high risk of delivering a child with Down's syndrome. However, it is recommended even for younger age women. This test helps in the detection of pre-birth conditions of the fetus and is usually done after 8 weeks of pregnancy up to 14 weeks. This test detects any kind of chromosomal abnormalities that might occur after the conception occurs. Doctor may recommend ultra sound test first, based on the results of ultra-sound test he may suggest for this Double Market test. This test is usually suggested by doctors to pregnant women above 35 years, a family history of birth defects, previous child born with birth defects, History of insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes.

There is no preparation required by the patients to undergo this test. However, if there is any medication taken by the patient it is advisable that the patient informs the doctor. It is a simple blood test which is done on the patient.

This test helps us to know whether a baby is at risk for Mental Disorders. This test primarily detects Down's syndrome (babies have an extra chromosome number 21 (3 chromosome 21 instead of normal 2 chromosome 21) This test helps to detect Trisomy 18, which cause mental retardation and severe birth defects. This test helps to detect trisomy 21.T, which cause mental disorders, heart disorders and other health issues impacting vital organs. These three disorders are because of chromosomal defects and could cause serious problems. This test is available in all developing countries, and should not be ignored. It is for the safety and hassle free baby birth.

A simple blood test is done on the pregnant women, with an ultra-sound test. This test is done in bigger laboratories. This test is done with blood sample and it checks for two markers namely, Free Beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin), which is a glycoprotein hormone produced by placenta during pregnancy. PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A), as the name suggests, it is a very important pregnancy protein. Results are usually interpreted as 'Screen Positive,' 'High Risk,' and 'Screen Negative.'

Type Gender Age-Group Value
Free Beta hCG
Female
All age groups
25700-288000 mIU/ml
Average price range of the test is between Rs.1500 to Rs.4000 depending on the factors of city, quality and availablity.

Table of Content

What is Double Marker Test?
Preparation for Double Marker Test
Uses of Double Marker Test
Procedure for Double Marker Test
Normal values for Double Marker Test
Price for Double Marker Test
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Popular Questions & Answers

I have no child after my 4 years married life. I am under treatment since 2 yrs. The report of my anti mullerian hormone test is 1.27 NG/ML. Doctor told me that the egg quality is very low which affects for getting pregnant. Kindly advise me.

MD - Obstetrtics & Gynaecology, Fellowship in Infertility
IVF Specialist, Noida
I have no child after my 4 years married life. I am under treatment since 2 yrs. The report of my anti mullerian horm...
Hi. AMH of 2- 4 ng/ ml is optimum .However, this alone is not sufficient to arrive at a conclusion regarding the fertility status. We always co relate it with an ultrasound. Moreover. It is the egg number that can be commented upon and there is no test in the lab for egg quality except to see the fertilisation rate. Therefore. Kindly get ultrasound done too.
5 people found this helpful

My wife is now pregnant for the last 1& half months, can I do intercourse right now?

Gynaecologist, Bolangir
My wife is now pregnant for the last 1& half months, can I do intercourse right now?
Sex during pregnancy is extremely safe for most women when uncomplicated, non-riskily pregnancies. If there is no complication you can but if possible abstain for few weeks as women have no great desire for sex because they feel tired and nauseous,
1 person found this helpful

I am 24 years old and me and my boyfriend got intimated and he rubbed his penis to my vagina for a fraction of second then I felt wet and we stopped and he ejaculated outside so is there any chances of me getting pregnant. I have taken ipill within 42 hrs.

Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MBBS
General Physician, Delhi
I am 24 years old and me and my boyfriend got intimated and he rubbed his penis to my vagina for a fraction of second...
you're safe with ipill taken within 42 hours don't become a habitual user of ipill which is emergency medicine, to be used only during emergency when nothing else is available ipill is loaded with hormones which can lead to complications like hormonal imbalances and irregular periods read books about health care and do meet a counselor for guidance
1 person found this helpful

Popular Health Tips

Ugly Divorce - Tips To Help You Get Over It!

Ma Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, Pune
Ugly Divorce - Tips To Help You Get Over It!

Getting through an ugly divorce is quite a difficult thing, no matter what the reason might be. Your world can turn upside down after a divorce and you have to make a fresh new start in life.

Here are some tips you should follow to get through an ugly divorce:

  1. Accept the fact that it is okay to have different feelings: All feelings like sadness, anger, exhaustion, frustration and confusion are quite intense after a divorce. You should accept these reactions and they will surely decrease with time.
  2. You need to give yourself a break: Accept the fact that you are weak and time is required to be back to normal functioning. Your work performance can be affected as well. Taking a break is a must after a divorce.
  3. Do not try to go through the situation alone: You should share your feelings with your friends and family, and you will surely get help. Joining support groups can also be fruitful. Isolation makes your condition worse; so you must go out, interact and share stuff.
  4. You should take proper emotional and physical care of your body: Eat timely, work out and relax. Try to maintain your normal daily routine and do not make major life decisions during this point of life. Abstain from too much alcohol and cigarettes as they are not a solution.
  5. Avoid ugly situations: Avoid talking to your former spouse as discussions may lead to ugly situations and fights, which would enhance your misery.
  6. Take a hobby: Try to do things you love to do from your heart. Join classes, take music lessons, paint pictures and slowly try to enjoy life. Making new friends is also a good idea.
  7. Think positive: Positive thinking is a must and if you engross yourself in positive, constructive activities, you are likely to feel good. You need to be flexible and in case you have children, do your best to provide them an ideal atmosphere for adjusting to the situation.
  8. Time can heal everything: Keep one thing in mind that life will eventually return to normal. Time heals everything and one day you will not be affected anymore.
  9. Talk to your children and help them cope: You need to provide proper care to your kids for coping with the situation. Talk to your children and make them understand that they are not responsible for the divorce by any means. Try to ease their concerns, be compassionate, but maintain a direct approach. Maintain your child's routine exactly how it used to be, so that they feel less amount of sudden change. Do not involve your children in the conflict in any way.

A divorce is extremely difficult to cope with, as one has never faced or felt such a situation before. With proper support and measures, you can get over a divorce much more easily. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Psychologist.

2397 people found this helpful

Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG)
IVF Specialist, Alwar
Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

At times being able to conceive becomes a challenge due to certain biological reasons. Feeling positive and eating healthy naturally takes you a step nearer to getting pregnant. In case of no medical condition acting as an obstruction, consuming the right food can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Here’s a list of supplements you can include in your diet to maximise your chances of getting pregnant.

1. Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates: Reducing the intake of refined carbohydrates (found in milk, potatoes, corn to name a few) can reduce inflammation of the genitals, which will help increase fertility. You can still continue to have your favourite foods, but ensure they are low GI (glycaemic index- a figure used to represent the ability of carbohydrate to increase glucose in blood) carbohydrates.

You can consume whole grains, which help in reducing insulin levels that in turn reduce the risk of heart diseases and diabetes and also help lower cholesterol levels. Try having whole grain bread instead of white bread and porridge instead of sugary processed cereals to reduce your GI ingestion.

2. Harness the power of Proteins: Proteins are an important part of your diet and the type of proteins you require careful consideration as they help make new hormones. Try having 25gms of vegetable protein like seeds, legumes and nuts instead of animal protein.

Add dairy foods to your diet as they are also a rich source of protein. They provide vital minerals and nutrients like magnesium, calcium and vitamin B12 to the body and at the same time are low in calories. Include milk, yoghurt and cottage cheese to your meals so that you have a minimum of three servings of dairy products a day, which is essential to meet your nutritional needs and increase your chances of having a baby.

3. Welcome Good Fats: Processed foods, fatty meats and takeaways are high in saturated fats including trans fats. These lead to inflammation and an increase of oxygen free radicals in the body, which decrease fertility. So, incorporate good fats in your diet in controlled quantities. Try having avocado and tomato on a whole grain toast, for instance.

4. Make folate an integral part of your diet: Folate is an essential nutrient that helps in decreasing the incidence of birth defects in babies, while ensuring a healthy conception. Along with the prescribed supplements, try to increase its intake in its natural form. The best way to do this is by having green leafy vegetables, which are a rich source of folate. You can also have veggie sticks and vegetable soup along or green vegetable dishes to increase your folate intake. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Gynaecologist.

5081 people found this helpful

Diet During Pregnancy - Healthy Eating While Pregnant!

MBBS, DGO, MRCOG
Gynaecologist, Mumbai
Diet During Pregnancy - Healthy Eating While Pregnant!

Pregnancy is a very special time in a woman's life when there is an added focus to take care of yourself and your unborn child. The adage 'You are what you eat' takes on a whole new meaning during this period as it becomes the soon to be mother's responsibility to pack in extra nutrition to nourish her growing bump. Doctors often add in a dose of vitamins to ensure that the both mother and child are well nourished. But beyond that, the food choices you make will maintain a healthy weight gain for you and your baby and eventually even help when you want to shed the extra weight after your child is born.

Here are some tips to have a perfect diet during your pregnancy

Load up on the good stuff: Even if you've always been eating healthy, it is time to crank things up a notch and include more proteins, vitamins, minerals especially folic acid and iron and some extra calories for energy and increase it as you progress in your pregnancy. But eating to get more nutrients doesn't have to mean eating more in general. If you are already at a healthy weight, then you don't need extra calories in the first trimester. In the second trimester, you need about 340 extra calories a day and about 450 extra calories a day in the third trimester. The numbers will change if you are underweight or overweight.

Say no to some: During pregnancy, give a skip to food items like raw sea food and undercooked meat and poultry. This could lead to potentially dangerous infections. Other foods to steer clear from include unpasteurized milk and soft cheese. All of these are possible sources of bacteria that can be harmful to an unborn child. It is always good to give your fruits and veggies a good extra wash, as always. Try to avoid the known culprits like popular local fruits that may be laden with artificial ripeners. Also avoid food with excess oil or preservatives. You will also have to say a complete no to alcohol or smoking during this period. While most sites suggest that you also ditch your caffeine fix, you can best keep it less than 200mg or 12 ounces in a day. Stick to decaffeinated tea and sodas when possible. Some other foods that have to be avoided during pregnancy are packaged food, cold drinks, preserved food items as they contain preservatives, which are harmful. Also, chinese food should be avoided as it contains monosodium gulmate, which is again harmful due to teratogenic chemical.


Diet a big no: Another big no during pregnancy is dieting or controlling the intake of food to lose weight. Pregnancy is the time you actually, for once, get to legally gain weight and be happy about. Don't mess up your natural system with forced diets.

Keep the food coming: Pregnancy is the time for food craving at all odd hours - and the time to give into them without an ounce of guilt! If you are dealing with nausea and food aversion, try to stick to small meals throughout the day. Replace the chips with carrot sticks and the pizza slice with soup. If that sweet tooth starts acting up, give it a frozen fruit desert or shake. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Gynaecologist.

3449 people found this helpful

Pregnant - The Healthy Indian Diet For You!

BSc - Food Science & Nutrition, PGD in Sports Nutrition and Dietitics , Diabetes Educator, Translational Nutrigenomics, FSSC 22000 ,Internal Auditor
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Mumbai
Pregnant - The Healthy Indian Diet For You!

When you are pregnant, it is important for you to have a proper diet, which is full of essential nutrients. A lot of these nutrients are used as supplements for the growing fetus. This is vital for the fetus to grow properly and receive proper nourishment. Every pregnancy is different, so does the diet differs based on issues based by a young mother. The biggest myth ever is to expect young mother to eat for two, but the truth is a pregnant woman just needs about 500 kcal extra from her normal RDA. It is always better to get a personalised diet chart, so coping up with physical and mental stress by an expectant mother becomes easier, leading to a happy and healthy pregnancy. A customised diet not only helps to be mother to take care of herself and lil one, but also ensure a positive wellbeing post pregnancy. Rest is equally important and to be mother should ensure she is active throughout her pregnancy for easy labour and fitness. Postpartum complications are prevented when the fetus receives sufficient nourishment. Here is a healthy Indian diet to follow during pregnancy:

  1. Meat, fish, eggs, poultry, nuts: These food items provide ample protein, zinc and iron. During pregnancy, the body requires an increased amount of protein, especially during the second trimester. You should consume at least 15 grams of protein regularly as an additional protein intake is important for tissue demands.
  2. Milk, cheese, yoghurt: These dairy products are a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins and phosphorus. The body requires high amounts of calcium during pregnancy. You should consume low-fat dairy products, if you are concerned about getting overweight.
  3. Fruits: Fruits are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber and potassium. You should add fruits such as grapefruit, orange, melons and berries to your diet. Also you should have several servings of fruit regularly. Have fruit juices and fruit desserts as well.
  4. Vegetables: During pregnancy, you must include several types of vegetables in your diet. Raw, leafy vegetables such as spinach and other vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, corn and potatoes should be a part of your diet. They contain vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, iron and magnesium. Moreover, constipation is prevented because of their low-fat and fiber content.
  5. Breads, rice, cereals, pasta: These food items contain complex carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy. Pregnant women require 6 to 10 servings of these food products. Grains are also good sources of protein and help in the development of the baby’s body tissues.
  6. Fats, sweets and oils: These food items are necessary for your diet when you are pregnant. However, you should avoid these in excess because of the high-calorie content. Try to consume food items, which contain low fat.
  7. Food rich in iron: Many Indian women suffer from anemia because of blood loss or improper diet. The body needs to get fortified with increased iron amounts. You should consume meat, prunes, raisin, spinach and soya beans. The body absorbs iron better when taken with food items, which are rich in vitamin C, like broccoli, potatoes and citrus fruits.

For getting an ideal diet chart during pregnancy, you should visit a dietitian. He or she will provide you with a diet chart, which will help you focus on the food items that are essential for you and your baby’s health. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Dietitian/Nutritionist.

3659 people found this helpful

Pregnancy - 13 Signs To Look For

MBBS, DGO
Gynaecologist, Dehradun
Pregnancy - 13 Signs To Look For

Early indications of pregnancy are not generally perceived, but the modest changes in your body capacity might be telling you something. Here are some signs, which mean, perhaps you are pregnant.

- Missed Period or Late Period
The clearest indication of pregnancy is a missed period. However, a missed period doesn't always mean you are pregnant. If your period is late when your menstrual cycle is quite regular, it might be an indication of pregnancy.

- Swollen Breasts
Soreness or shivering in your breasts is one of pregnancy's most basic symptoms. Right on time in pregnancy, the breasts will round out and change shape as they get ready to deliver milk.

- Nausea
Nausea is among one of the most well-known symptoms of pregnancy. It's brought about by an increase in the hormone levels. Almost 80 percent of women experience "morning sickness" during the initial three months of pregnancy. For some, this sickness is not just confined to the mornings and may take place throughout the entire day.

- Spotting
After 5 to 10 days of conceiving, light spotting might be found when the embryo implants itself in the uterus.

- Enhanced Urine Frequency
If you're pregnant, your uterus puts pressure directly on the bladder prompting more urination. The additional weight and intestinal changes may bring about a blockage.

- Fatigue
Women feel exceptionally tired and drained during pregnancy. Fatigue is one of the primary indications of pregnancy.

- Mood Swings

Avid emotional mood swings occur in women during pregnancy. If your temper is always fluctuating or going up and down, it may be an indication that you might be pregnant.

- Enhanced Sensitivity to Smell
Women during pregnancy develop an enhanced smell sensitivity. Any common or normal smell may seem to be intense and long lasting. This is a genuine signal.

- Darkening of the Areolas
Areolas are the circles around your nipples. During pregnancy, due to increased hormone secretion, the areolas become dark and wide. This is a common indication.

- Enhanced Craving for Food
Pregnancy increases the drive for food craving in women. Pregnant women find themselves consuming a huge amount of food, which is abnormal.

- Headache
Headache due to migraine increase during pregnancy. This is more common during early pregnancy.

- Strange Metallic Taste in the Mouth
Some women may feel an odd metallic taste in their mouth, which may signify pregnancy.

- Constipation
Added pressure on the kidneys and bladder may lead to constipation in pregnant women. This is another indication.


These are some common signs, which may imply that you are pregnant, and should take a pregnancy test soon. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Gynaecologist.

2772 people found this helpful