Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A Test

Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A test is performed on a sample of blood to measure level of Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A in blood.It is performed to detect Pregnancy. Also known as PAPPA test. (PAPP-A) is a protein produced first by the growing placenta in the mother’s womb. This is usually done first trimester screening is a along with hCG and nuchal translucency test that are used to evaluate the risk that the fetus,inside the mother has a chromosomal disorder like Down syndrome (trisomy 21) or Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18).

PAPP-A must be performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy . It is done by a simple automated blood test. No special preparation is required for PAPPa. The pregnant woman can eat and drink normally. She must inform her doctor whether she is on any special medications or going through any other medical conditions or allergies before undergoing this test. The doctor depending on her condition will give desired instructions.

It is important to remember that positive tests doesn’t indicate fetal abnormalities. While they’re indicative of an increased risk. A very small number of women with a positive first trimester screen tend to have babies having a chromosomal disorder.If a screening test gives a positive result more distinctive tests are needed to be conducted to confirm a diagnosis. These may include a diagnostic tests like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in the first trimester. Amniocentesis should be done in the second trimester. While these two tests are more accurate than the screening tests, they can be invasive and may carry a small risk of miscarriage and a very rare risk of injury to the fetus can happen as well.

During this test, a lab technician will draw blood from a vein, generally from the inside of your elbow or from the back of your hand.
The lab assistant will:
1.clean your skin with an antiseptic wipe.
2.place an elastic band around your upper arm to help the vein.
3.swell with blood.
4.insert a needle in the your and collects the required amount of blood.
5.cover the area with a bandage to stop any bleeding.
6.label your sample and send it to a lab for analysis.