What does an abnormal double marker test indicate?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 13 weeks pregnant. Last week, I underwent an NT scan report, and it was normal, and I gave a double marker blood test. Yesterday from the hospital, they called me for a blood test because the first report shows abnormal. I am so scared whether the second time the double marker test was normal. They did not give the first test report but simply told us the first test was abnormal, so we sent it for the second time. I am confused. Please tell me whether the second time test shows a normal result. If it is abnormal, is there is any early treatment to protect the baby from Down syndrome?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First of all, congrats on your pregnancy. Let me clarify that double marker is only a screening test. It is not a confirmatory test. Double markers are not repeated if they are showing a high risk. So if the lab has asked for a second sample, it may be due to some other reason. It means even if we say your second test shows a high risk (chances of which are less), it only means that this baby, for some reason, has a higher risk for a genetic problem. You still need to do an amniocentesis and do karyotyping to confirm the genetic problem. We see many double markers that are abnormal, but very few have an abnormal karyotype on confirmation. So rest assured and enjoy your pregnancy. Let the results come. Nothing is decided by a double marker test. Taking Folic acid three months prior to the pregnancy is one way of preventing Down syndrome. So please wait for the result. There is no need to panic. Have a safe pregnancy.