What the Double Marker Test (Auto-DELFIA) measures
The double marker test is a first-trimester screening blood test in pregnancy. It measures two substances made by the placenta, free beta-hCG and PAPP-A, here on the Auto-DELFIA immunoassay system. The results are combined with the mother’s age, weight and other details, and with the dating and nuchal translucency (NT) measurements from an ultrasound scan, to calculate the chance that the baby has Down syndrome (trisomy 21) or trisomy 18 or 13. It is done in a fixed window, typically between about 9 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, ideally matched to the NT scan. The result is a risk estimate, such as 1 in a given number, not a diagnosis. A low-risk result does not guarantee an unaffected baby, and a high-risk result does not mean the baby has a condition; it means further discussion is advised, usually with your obstetrician, who may offer further screening or a diagnostic test. Accurate details on the request form are essential, because the risk calculation depends on them.
Price: the Double Marker Test (Auto-DELFIA) costs ₹2,560 at Pure Bliss (MRP ₹3,200), with the sample collected at our Action Area 2, New Town centre or at your home.
Who this test is for
- All pregnant women who choose first-trimester screening, between about 9 and 13 weeks
- Pregnancies where the obstetrician has advised combined screening with the NT scan
- Mothers over 35, who are at higher background risk
- Anyone who wants to understand screening options early in pregnancy, after discussing them with their obstetrician
How to prepare, the sample, and when to expect the report
Preparation
No fasting is needed. Bring your ultrasound (NT or dating scan) report, and be ready to give your date of birth, weight, last menstrual period, and whether the pregnancy is twins, through IVF, or affected by diabetes or smoking. Book within the window your obstetrician gives.
Sample
Blood, from a vein in the arm (serum).
Reporting time
Usually within 72 hours, as the risk calculation needs the scan details. We confirm the expected date when booking.
Reading the result
The report gives a calculated risk for each condition rather than a normal range, and should be discussed with your obstetrician. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, so your report lists the laboratory’s own range beside each value. A result outside the range does not always mean illness; ask your doctor to explain it.
- Centre or home collection
- NABL-accredited Redcliffe Labs collection centre
- How collection works →