Test Name
MATERNAL SCREEN, FIRST TRIMESTER [DOUBLE TEST (FREE β-HCG, PAPP-A)]
Aliases
1ST TRIMESTER MATERNAL SCREENING
Abbreviations
DOUBLE TEST, DOUBLE MARKER TEST
Test Classification
GROUPED TEST
Department
SPECIAL CHEMISTRY
Sub Department
-
TAT Category
ELAPSED (CONTINUOUS) TIME
Estimated TAT
144
TAT Units
HOURS
Test Requirements
1) Must be between 8 weeks - 13 weeks 6 days gestation on the date of SAMPLE COLLECTION (NB: If the patient is beyond 13 weeks, 6 days, appropriate test is QUADRUPLE test)
2) Ultrasound report required
3) Maternal weight (kg) needed
4) Race must be captured
5) A specific form with specific history needs to be filled IN FULL. Liaise with the technical team for this form.
Test components: FREE β-HCG, PAPP-A and risk estimates for Down syndrome, Edward's syndrome and neural tube defects.
Clinical Utility
Assess risk for fetal abnormalities i.e. Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edward’s syndrome (trisomy 18) & neural tube defects (NTDs).
Last Review
26th Feb 2026