Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it also comes with important checkpoints to ensure the health of the mother and the baby. One of the crucial tests during the first trimester of pregnancy is the Dual Marker Test. But what happens if this test is missed? In many such cases, doctors recommend NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) as the next best step.
At the Institute of Fetal Medicine, Kolkata, we often address this concern for expecting mothers who miss their first-trimester screening window.
What Is the Dual Marker Test?
The Dual Marker Test is a first-trimester prenatal screening that assesses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Trisomy 18. It’s typically done between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy and combines two blood markers (β-hCG and PAPP-A) with ultrasound findings (NT scan).
Why Is It Important?
This test provides early insights into the baby’s genetic health. If the results show a high risk, further diagnostic procedures like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis may be considered.
Missing this window may delay important decisions, which is why an alternative screening method is often suggested — NIPT.
What Happens If the Dual Marker Test Is Missed?
There are several reasons why expecting mothers may miss this test:
- Late registration of pregnancy
- Irregular menstrual cycles causing confusion in gestational age
- Lack of awareness or delayed referral
In such cases, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) becomes a reliable and advanced alternative.
Why NIPT Is Recommended
NIPT is a highly accurate, non-invasive blood test that analyzes fetal DNA in the mother’s blood to detect chromosomal abnormalities. It can be done as early as 10 weeks of gestation and upto term and is especially useful if the dual marker test is missed.
Advantages of NIPT:
- Over 99% accuracy for detecting common chromosomal conditions
- Safe for both mother and baby
- No risk of miscarriage, unlike invasive tests
- Can be done up to 22 weeks
Is NIPT a Replacement for the Dual Marker Test?
While NIPT is more accurate, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t assess everything the dual marker and NT scan do, such as structural abnormalities. Ideally, NIPT is complemented with a detailed anomaly scan around 18-20 weeks.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’ve missed the dual marker test, don’t panic. Consult a fetal medicine specialist at a reputed centre like the Institute of Fetal Medicine, Kolkata, where expert counselling and tailored testing strategies are offered based on gestational age and medical history.
Why Choose Institute of Fetal Medicine, Kolkata?
- Experienced team of fetal medicine specialists and genetic counsellors
- Advanced testing facilities including NIPT, NT scan, anomaly scan, and more
- Personalized care plans for high-risk pregnancies
- Centrally located and well-connected clinic in Kolkata
Missing a prenatal test can feel overwhelming, but with medical advancements like NIPT, you still have access to accurate and safe screening options. At the Institute of Fetal Medicine, Kolkata, we help you make informed decisions for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Looking for guidance?
📞 Call us today to speak to a fetal medicine expert
📍 Visit the Institute of Fetal Medicine, Kolkata
152, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rd, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026. Rashbehari crossing, Near Kalighat Metro Gate No. 9