Double Marker Test in Dubai: First Trimester Prenatal Screening for Peace of Mind
Early, accurate screening for chromosomal conditions—combined with an NT ultrasound for comprehensive first trimester assessment.
For expectant parents in the UAE, the first trimester of pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, but also of important health decisions. The Double Marker Test is a essential prenatal screening tool that helps assess the risk of certain chromosomal conditions in your baby. Performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, this simple blood test, often combined with a nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound, provides valuable early insights into your baby’s development. At DNA Labs UAE, we offer this screening with the accuracy and confidentiality you deserve.
What is the Double Marker Test?
The Double Marker Test is a maternal blood screening performed in the first trimester of pregnancy. It measures the levels of two specific substances in the mother’s blood:
- Free Beta-hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): A hormone produced by the placenta.
- PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A): A protein also produced by the placenta.
Abnormal levels of these markers, when interpreted alongside other factors such as the mother’s age, weight, and the results of an NT ultrasound, can indicate an increased risk for certain chromosomal abnormalities. It is important to understand that this is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. It assesses risk and helps determine if further, diagnostic testing (such as CVS or amniocentesis) should be considered.
Who is This Test For?
The Double Marker Test is recommended for all pregnant women, but it is particularly valuable for:
- All Expectant Mothers: Any woman who wants early information about her baby’s risk for certain chromosomal conditions.
- Mothers of Advanced Maternal Age (35+): The risk of chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome increases with maternal age. This test provides an early risk assessment.
- Those with a Family History: Pregnant women with a family history of genetic conditions may opt for this screening.
- Couples Seeking Peace of Mind: For parents in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah who want to be proactive about their pregnancy health and make informed decisions.
- Women Undergoing First Trimester Ultrasound: The test is often performed in conjunction with the NT ultrasound for a more comprehensive risk assessment.
What You Will Learn / Discover
Your Double Marker Test report, especially when combined with an NT ultrasound, provides crucial early information about your pregnancy.
- Risk Assessment for Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome): The test calculates the statistical risk of your baby having Down syndrome.
- Risk Assessment for Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome): The test also provides a risk assessment for Edwards syndrome, a condition associated with severe developmental delays.
- Risk Assessment for Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome): Some protocols also include a risk assessment for Patau syndrome.
- Guidance for Further Testing: A result indicating “increased risk” does not mean your baby has a condition. It simply suggests that you may wish to discuss further, diagnostic options (like CVS or amniocentesis) with your doctor to get a definitive answer.
- Comprehensive Assessment (with NT Scan): When combined with an NT ultrasound (which measures fluid at the back of the baby’s neck), the accuracy of the risk assessment is significantly enhanced.
How It Works
The process is simple, safe, and designed to fit into your regular prenatal care schedule.
- Schedule Your Appointment: Book your test at any DNA Labs UAE location in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah. The test must be performed between 11 weeks and 13 weeks + 6 days of pregnancy.
- NT Ultrasound (Recommended): Many expectant mothers choose to have a nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound performed by their obstetrician or at a partnered imaging center. This ultrasound must be done close to the time of the blood draw.
- Simple Blood Draw: A trained phlebotomist will collect a small blood sample from your arm. No special preparation (like fasting) is required.
- Laboratory Analysis: Your sample is sent to our state-of-the-art, ISO-accredited laboratory for analysis. The levels of Free Beta-hCG and PAPP-A are measured.
- Integrated Report: The lab results are combined with your NT ultrasound findings, age, and other factors to generate a comprehensive risk assessment report.
- Receive Your Results & Consult Your Doctor: Your confidential report is securely delivered via email and WhatsApp. You must discuss these results with your obstetrician to understand what they mean for your pregnancy.
Price & Packages
Double Marker Test Price: 550 AED
This all-inclusive price covers the complete Double Marker analysis (Free Beta-hCG and PAPP-A), the blood collection by a qualified phlebotomist, and your secure digital report. DNA Labs UAE offers transparent pricing with no hidden administrative fees.
NT Scan + Double Marker Test Package:
We also offer a combined package that includes the NT ultrasound at a partnered imaging center along with the Double Marker blood test. Please contact us for package pricing and availability.
Why Choose DNA Labs UAE?
Choosing the right partner for your prenatal screening ensures you receive accurate, reliable, and confidential results.
Local Expertise, Global Standards
DNA Labs UAE is a homegrown laboratory network serving the unique needs of families in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE. We offer accessible, high-quality prenatal screening without the need to send your sample abroad.
Accreditation You Can Trust
Accuracy in prenatal screening is critical for informed decision-making. DNA Labs UAE is accredited under the ISO 15189:2023 Quality Management System, the global standard specifically for medical laboratories. This accreditation ensures the technical competence, stringent quality control, and reliability of your test results. You can verify our commitment to quality by viewing our ISO 15189:2023 certificate [PDF] .
Comprehensive First Trimester Care
We work closely with obstetricians and imaging centers across the UAE to ensure seamless integration of your blood test results with your NT ultrasound findings, providing you with a complete risk assessment.
Absolute Confidentiality
Your pregnancy journey is personal. Your results are shared only with you and, at your written request, your designated healthcare provider. We adhere strictly to UAE data protection laws.
Convenient Locations
With multiple collection centers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, accessing this essential prenatal screening is easy and convenient.
Important Disclaimer
The Double Marker Test is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. It provides a risk assessment for the conditions tested and is informative, but it cannot guarantee the presence or absence of all genetic abnormalities.
Results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional (your obstetrician) in the context of your full medical history and ultrasound findings. A “screen positive” or “increased risk” result does not mean the baby definitely has a condition; it indicates that further, diagnostic testing (such as CVS or amniocentesis) should be discussed with your doctor. This test is not a substitute for regular prenatal care or consultation with an obstetrician. DNA Labs UAE strongly advises all customers to discuss their results with their healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the price of the Double Marker Test in Dubai and the UAE?
The price for the Double Marker Test at DNA Labs UAE is 550 AED. This includes the blood collection and the laboratory analysis. Package pricing with the NT ultrasound is available upon request.
2. When should I take the Double Marker Test?
The test must be performed during a specific window in the first trimester: between 11 weeks and 13 weeks + 6 days of pregnancy. This timing is critical for accurate risk assessment.
3. What is the difference between the Double Marker Test and NIPT?
The Double Marker Test is a traditional biochemical screening that measures proteins in your blood to assess risk. NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is a more advanced genetic test that analyzes fetal DNA directly, resulting in significantly higher accuracy for the conditions it screens. NIPT is typically more expensive. Your doctor can advise on which test is right for you.
4. Do I need an NT ultrasound with the Double Marker Test?
For the most accurate and comprehensive risk assessment, an NT ultrasound should be performed alongside the Double Marker blood test. The ultrasound measures the nuchal translucency, a key marker that, when combined with the blood results, significantly improves the screening accuracy.
5. Is the blood draw safe for me and my baby?
Yes, the Double Marker Test is a simple blood draw from the mother’s arm and poses no risk to the baby. It is a routine and safe procedure.
6. Is the blood collection method Halal?
Yes, the blood draw is a standard medical procedure performed by licensed professionals using sterile, single-use equipment. It is universally acceptable with no religious restrictions.
7. How long does it take to get the results?
Results are typically available within a few working days from the time your sample is received at our laboratory. You will be notified via email and WhatsApp as soon as your secure digital report is ready.
8. Will my health insurance cover the Double Marker Test cost?
Coverage for prenatal screening tests varies by insurance policy. Many insurers in the UAE cover the Double Marker test as part of routine prenatal care. DNA Labs UAE provides a detailed invoice that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Please check your specific policy.
9. What do my results mean?
Your report will indicate your “risk” (e.g., 1 in 500) for conditions like Down syndrome. A “low risk” result means the chance is small. A “high risk” or “increased risk” result means the chance is higher, but it is not a diagnosis. You will need to discuss this with your doctor, who may recommend further diagnostic testing.
10. How is this test different from the Triple or Quadruple Marker Test?
The Double Marker Test is performed in the first trimester. The Triple and Quadruple Marker tests are performed in the second trimester (15-20 weeks). They measure different combinations of substances in the blood. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate test based on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
11. Where can I get a Double Marker Test near me in Sharjah or Abu Dhabi?
DNA Labs UAE has multiple collection centers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. You can visit any of our locations for the blood draw. For the NT ultrasound, we can refer you to a partnered imaging center near you.
12. Can I get the Double Marker Test if I am expecting twins?
Yes, the test can be performed in twin pregnancies, but the interpretation of results is more complex. It is essential that you have the test performed at a center experienced in multiple gestations and that you discuss the results with a specialist familiar with twin pregnancies.
