Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein - A (Papp -A ) in Mathikere, Bangalore

Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein - A (Papp-A): Price, Purpose, Range & Reports 

Test Overview

The Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) test is a crucial component of the first-trimester prenatal screening for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. PAPP-A is a protein produced and secreted by the placenta into the mother's bloodstream. Its level, when measured between weeks ten and fourteen of pregnancy, provides essential information used in combination with other markers to calculate the risk of conditions like Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18).

This non-invasive blood test is a standard part of early prenatal care. If you are searching for the PAPP-A test price or a reliable lab near me, Apollo 24|7 offers access to specialised prenatal screening services with secure and timely report delivery, often performed as part of the Dual or Double Marker Test panel.

What is the Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) Test?

The PAPP-A test is a quantitative blood assay that measures the concentration of Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A in the mother's serum. PAPP-A is a large metalloproteinase that rises throughout a normal pregnancy.

During the first trimester (typically between the tenth and fourteenth weeks of gestation), abnormal PAPP-A levels, especially lower-than-expected levels, are linked to an increased risk of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies. The PAPP-A result is mathematically combined with the result of the free beta-human Chorionic Gonadotropin (free beta-hCG) test and the sonographic measurement of Nuchal Translucency (NT) to generate a personalised risk assessment for the fetus.

What is the Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) Price?

The cost of the PAPP-A test is often bundled, as it is rarely performed alone. It is typically included in the price of the Dual Marker Test or Double Marker Test, which combines PAPP-A and free beta-hCG.

Factors Affecting the Test Cost

The final price is influenced by these essential quality and service factors:

• Inclusion in Panels: The PAPP-A test is almost always part of a prenatal screening panel, with the combined price reflecting the two hormone assays required.
• Specialised Immunoassay: The fee covers the sophisticated immunoassay technique required to accurately measure this large placental protein at very low concentrations in early pregnancy.
• Quality Assurance: The analysis is performed at NABL-accredited Apollo laboratories, ensuring the precision necessary for accurate risk calculation in critical prenatal diagnostics.
• Location: Prices may differ slightly between cities due to regional operating costs and logistics.

To find the most accurate and current PAPP-A test price near me (usually as part of the Dual Marker Test), please check the Apollo 24|7 app or website for real-time pricing specific to your location.

What is the Purpose of the Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) Test?

The primary purpose of the PAPP-A test is early, non-invasive risk assessment during pregnancy.

• Screening for Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21): Low PAPP-A levels combined with high free beta-hCG and increased NT measurement strongly indicate an elevated risk for Trisomy 21.
• Screening for Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13): Very low PAPP-A, along with low free beta-hCG and increased NT, suggests an elevated risk for Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13.
• Guiding Follow-up: An elevated-risk result flags the patient for further, definitive diagnostic procedures such as Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) or diagnostic procedures like Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.
• Placental Function: Extremely low PAPP-A may be an indicator of potential adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, or preterm birth, though its primary use remains chromosomal screening.

Who Should Get the PAPP-A Test Done?

This test is generally offered to all pregnant women as a standard part of their prenatal care during the first trimester.

You may be advised to take this test if:

• You are between ten and fourteen weeks pregnant and wish to assess the fetal risk for chromosomal abnormalities.
• You are over the age of thirty-five, as advanced maternal age increases the baseline risk for aneuploidies.
• You have a personal or family history of chromosomal conditions.
• Your physician requires the PAPP-A level as part of the calculated risk assessment for the first-trimester screening.

Components of Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A)

The test is focused on the quantitative measurement of the protein's concentration in the maternal serum.

• PAPP-A: This parameter measures the concentration of Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A. The levels are used to calculate the risk score for chromosomal abnormalities, based on how far the measured concentration deviates from the expected median value for that specific gestational week.

Understanding a PAPP-A Report

The PAPP-A result is not reported as a simple positive or negative. Instead, it is expressed as a Multiple of the Median (MoM), which compares the patient's measured value to the expected median value for a normal pregnancy at the exact same gestational age. The final risk is calculated by proprietary software integrating PAPP-A MoM, free beta-hCG MoM, and Nuchal Translucency (NT).

The reporting formats and reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories, depending on their protocols, equipment, and regional guidelines. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation in the context of clinical findings.

Typical Interpretation Ranges (Expressed as MoM)

Interpretation Note: The report provides a final Risk Ratio (e.g., 1 in 5,000) for Trisomy 21 and Trisomy 18. This ratio is the crucial number. A result is considered "Screen Positive" (high risk) if the ratio is below a specific cutoff (e.g., less than 1 in 250). A positive screen means further testing is recommended, but it does not constitute a diagnosis.

Preparation and Procedure for the PAPP-A Test

The PAPP-A test is a routine blood draw. The most critical factor is the timing, which must be precisely correlated with the fetal measurements.

How Is the PAPP-A Test Performed?

A small blood sample is collected by a trained phlebotomist from a vein in your arm. The serum is separated from the blood cells, and the concentration of the PAPP-A protein is measured using a specialised immunoassay. The result is then typically forwarded to a risk calculation software, along with the patient's age and the Nuchal Translucency (NT) measurement from the ultrasound, to determine the final risk ratio.

Is Fasting Needed Before the Test?

No, fasting is generally not required for the PAPP-A test.

Can Medications Affect the Test Results?

Medications, including thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT) and certain fertility drugs, may potentially affect hormone levels. It is essential to inform your physician and the lab about all current medications and supplements.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Take the Test?

The test can be performed at any time of day, but it is crucial to perform the blood draw between ten weeks zero days and thirteen weeks six days of gestation. The results must also be correlated with an ultrasound measurement of Nuchal Translucency taken during the same time frame.

How Frequently Is the Test Needed?

The PAPP-A test is typically performed only once during the first trimester screening period.

Booking the PAPP-A Test Online & Checking Reports

Apollo 24|7 simplifies the process of scheduling the PAPP-A test (often as part of the Dual Marker Panel) and accessing your results.

A. What are the Steps to Schedule the Test on Apollo 24|7?

1. Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application and search for the Dual Marker Test or PAPP-A.
2. Review the latest test price for your city and click the ‘Book Now’ button.
3. Select your preferred date and a convenient time slot for home sample collection.
4. Complete the secure online payment. You will receive immediate confirmation and preparation details.

B. How Do I Access My Test Results Online on Apollo 24|7?

1. Log in to your Apollo 24|7 accounts using your registered phone number or email ID.
2. Go to the ‘Health Records’ or ‘My Reports’ section on your dashboard.
3. Click on the test name to view your detailed, NABL-certified report, which will include the PAPP-A MoM value and the final calculated risk ratios.
4. You can easily view the report online or download it in PDF format to share instantly with your physician.

Conclusion

The Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) test is a cornerstone of accurate first-trimester prenatal risk assessment. Its concentration, measured alongside other markers, provides pregnant parents and their healthcare providers with timely, non-invasive information regarding the likelihood of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. A precise PAPP-A MoM value is essential for accurate risk calculation, ensuring that high-risk pregnancies are identified and appropriately managed with timely follow-up diagnostic procedures.