Quick answer: The double marker test in pregnancy is a blood test done between 10 and 13 weeks, along with a nuchal translucency (NT) scan. It estimates the chance of Down syndrome and some other chromosomal conditions. The double marker test price in Yelahanka depends on the lab and whether the NT scan is included. Call the clinic for current pricing.
Your first trimester comes with many new words: NT scan, double marker, PAPP-A. If your gynaecologist has advised a double marker test, you probably want to know when to do it, how much it costs and what the result means. This guide answers those questions in simple language for families in Yelahanka and North Bengaluru.
Key takeaways
- The double marker test is a screening blood test, not a diagnosis.
- It is done between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, usually with an NT scan.
- It measures free beta hCG and PAPP-A in the mother’s blood.
- Results are given as a risk, such as low chance or higher chance. A higher-chance result needs further testing.
- Price depends on the lab and package. Call Naina Polyclinic for current pricing.
What is the double marker test in pregnancy?
The double marker test (also called the dual marker or double screen test) is a first-trimester screening test. It checks two substances in your blood:
- Free beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin), a pregnancy hormone
- PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A)
The results are combined with your age, weight, pregnancy dates and the nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound. The NT scan measures the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck. Together, these give an estimate of the chance of Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13).
When is the double marker test done? (Right weeks)
The test is done between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that the first-trimester blood test and NT scan are usually done together between 10 weeks and 13 weeks of pregnancy. Our double screen test in pregnancy at Naina Polyclinic follows the same window.
Timing matters, because the NT measurement becomes less reliable after about 14 weeks. If you miss this window, your doctor may suggest a second-trimester test such as the quadruple marker test instead.
Who should get a double marker test?
ACOG says prenatal screening and diagnostic testing should be offered to all pregnant women, whatever their age. It is especially worth discussing if:
- You are 35 or older at the time of delivery
- You had a previous pregnancy with a chromosomal condition
- There is a family history of genetic conditions
The test is your choice. Your gynaecologist will explain the benefits and limits so you can decide.
What affects the double marker test price in Yelahanka?
Prices vary between clinics and labs. The main factors are:
| Factor | How it affects cost |
|---|---|
| Blood test only vs. with NT scan | A combined package costs more than the blood test alone |
| Lab and method | Different labs use different machines and risk software |
| Report time | Faster or priority reports may cost more |
| Consultation | Some clinics include a doctor’s review of the result |
Double marker test price at Naina Polyclinic: for the current price, report time and what is included, call Naina Polyclinic on +91 88615 22910 (Kogilu Road) or +91 96637 44434 (Yelahanka New Town).
What are double marker test normal values?
There is no single “normal value” that applies everywhere. Labs report hCG and PAPP-A as MoM (multiples of the median), which compares your level with typical levels for your stage of pregnancy. The final report usually shows a risk figure, written as “1 in” a number, and a label such as:
- Low risk / screen negative: The chance is below the lab’s cut-off. Routine care continues.
- High risk / screen positive: The chance is above the cut-off. This does not mean your baby has a condition.
Each lab sets its own cut-off, which is printed on the report. Always go through your report with your gynaecologist.
What happens if the result is high risk?
A screen-positive result means more testing is offered, not that something is definitely wrong. ACOG explains that screening tests show the chance of a condition, while diagnostic tests can tell whether the fetus actually has certain disorders. Your next options may include:
- Cell-free DNA testing (NIPT), a more detailed blood screening test
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, which are diagnostic tests
Your doctor will explain each option, and its risks, before you decide.
How should I prepare for the test?
No fasting is usually needed for the double marker test. Carry your dating scan report so the lab can enter exact pregnancy dates. Accurate dates make the risk calculation more accurate.
If you have missed the first-trimester window, ask about the quad screen test at 15 to 22 weeks. Our gynaecology services cover your full pregnancy, from routine lab investigations to normal delivery at affiliated hospitals.
Where is Naina Polyclinic in Yelahanka?
Naina Polyclinic has served families in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, since 1998 from two centres:
- Naina Polyclinic (Kogilu Road): 2, Kogilu Main Rd, Kondappa Garden Layout, Maruthi Nagar, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064. Phone: +91 88615 22910
- Naina Polyclinic & Physiotherapy Center (Yelahanka New Town): 2057, 13th B Cross Rd, MIG Sector B, Udaya Layout, Yelahanka New Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064. Phone: +91 96637 44434
Dr. Rama Shankarnarayan sees pregnancy patients at the Kogilu Road clinic Monday to Saturday, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and at the Yelahanka New Town centre on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Sunday is a holiday. Call the clinic to check where your NT scan can be done and how to plan both tests on the same day. Full details are on our contact and appointments page.
Related reading: our guides on how to choose a gynecologist in Yelahanka New Town and blood test lab in Yelahanka New Town. You can also learn more about our double screen (double marker) test at Naina Polyclinic.
Frequently asked questions
What is the double marker test price in Yelahanka?
The price depends on the lab, whether the NT scan is included, and how quickly you need the report. Prices change, so please call Naina Polyclinic for current pricing. Our team can explain what is included before you book, so there are no surprises.
In which week is the double marker test done?
The double marker test is done between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, along with the nuchal translucency (NT) scan. Doing it within this window gives the most reliable result. If you are past 14 weeks, ask your gynaecologist about second-trimester screening such as the quadruple marker test.
Is the double marker test compulsory in pregnancy?
No. It is an optional screening test, but it is recommended to be offered to every pregnant woman. Your gynaecologist will explain what the test can and cannot tell you. The choice to have it, or to skip it, is entirely yours.
Does a high-risk double marker result mean my baby has Down syndrome?
No. A high-risk result only means the chance is higher than the lab’s cut-off. Most babies with a screen-positive result do not have a chromosomal condition. Your doctor will offer further tests, such as NIPT, CVS or amniocentesis, to give a clearer answer.
Do I need to fast for the double marker test?
Fasting is usually not needed for the double marker test. You can eat and drink normally. Do carry your dating scan report, because accurate pregnancy dates help the lab calculate your risk correctly. Confirm any specific instructions with the clinic when you book.
Book an appointment at Naina Polyclinic
Between 10 and 13 weeks? Call us to book your double marker test and consultation, or reach us through our contact page. Kogilu Road: +91 88615 22910. Yelahanka New Town: +91 96637 44434. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rama Shankarnarayan, MBBS, DGO (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Naina Polyclinic, Yelahanka. Last reviewed: November 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Please consult a doctor about your own symptoms, tests and treatment.