Dual Marker Test Test in Kathmandu

About this test

Offered in the first trimester, the Dual Marker Test measures two pregnancy-related proteins in the mother's blood — free beta-hCG (a fraction of the human chorionic gonadotrophin hormone) and PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A). On their own these numbers mean little; the laboratory feeds them, along with your age, weight, gestational age and the nuchal-translucency measurement from your ultrasound, into specialised software that estimates the chance your baby has a chromosomal condition such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edward syndrome (trisomy 18) or Patau syndrome (trisomy 13). It is best performed between 11 and 13 weeks and 6 days, when the markers are most informative. An obstetrician usually recommends it as routine early screening, and the conversation often begins with a positive pregnancy and a desire to know the baby's wellbeing before later scans. It is important to understand what this test is and is not: it is a screening test that sorts pregnancies into lower-risk and higher-risk groups, not a diagnosis. A higher-risk result does not mean anything is wrong; it simply guides whether further tests — such as NIPT (cell-free DNA) or, occasionally, an invasive procedure like amniocentesis — should be discussed. In Nepal, where many couples first reach antenatal care a little late, getting the dating scan and bloods done promptly within the window matters. Your gynaecologist interprets the combined risk score alongside your history and the ultrasound findings.

Sample type

Blood (serum)

Preparation

No fasting required. This test must be done between 11 and 13 weeks 6 days of pregnancy and is interpreted with an ultrasound (nuchal translucency) done in the same window, so please bring your scan report and confirmed dates. Tell us your weight, exact date of birth, whether you smoke, and if the pregnancy is from IVF or twins — all of these are needed to calculate the result accurately.

Turnaround time

Reports for Dual Marker Test are typically ready within: Same Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other hormones tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Dual Marker Test or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.