The dual marker test, also known as the double marker test, measures the levels of beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta hcg) and pregnancy associated plasma protein (papp-a) in the blood to screen for genetic abnormalities in the fetus, such as Down's syndrome or trisomy 18. It is ideally conducted between 10-13 weeks of pregnancy, though can be performed between 9-13.6 weeks. This test is recommended for women with a family history of genetic disorders and those over 35 years old, often in conjunction with a nuchal translucency test for more accurate diagnosis.

2. What is Dual marker test?
●Dual marker test is also known as Double Marker Test
●This test measures the levels of two hormones
○Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Beta HCG) and
○Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein (PAPP-A) in blood

3. ●PAPP-A is a protein. It is produced by growing placenta. The
levels of PAPP-A increase during pregnancy in the blood until
the time of delivery.
●Beta hCG is a hormone. It is produced by placenta during
pregnancy in greater amount. For first 8 - 10 weeks, the levels
of Beta hCG increase, then decrease and then remain stable
for rest of the pregnancy.

4. How is Dual marker test done?
●Dual marker test is done on a
blood sample.
●A syringe attached to a fine
needle is used to withdraw
the blood from a vein of your
arm.

5. ●The ideal time to get this test done is between 10 - 13 weeks of
pregnancy
●But this test can also be done between 9 - 13.6 weeks of
pregnancy as advised by your doctor
When is Dual marker test done?

6. Why is Dual marker test done?

7. Dual marker test is done to screen the fetus for any genetic
abnormalities like Down’s syndrome or Trisomy 18 in
● Females with a family history or
previous history of pregnancy with
genetic abnormalities
● Females above the age of 35 years as
they are at high risk of delivering baby
with genetic abnormalities
● However, it is also advised in younger
pregnant women to rule out any
genetic abnormalities

8. Dual marker test is done along with Nuchal
Translucency test to confirm the diagnosis of
any suspected genetic abnormality
●Nuchal Translucency (NT) is a measurement of the fluid beneath
the skin along the back of the baby’s neck
●NT is measured by ultrasonography

9. Reference
https://www.1mg.com/labs/test/dual-marker-test-2185

10. THANK YOU