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Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A
(PAPP-A)
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Female
Test Preparation
Understanding Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A
What is Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A?
Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) test monitors the PAPP-A released by the placenta during pregnancy. A low level of PAPP-A might indicate the risks of genetic defects in the fetus. This test helps in assessing the risk of aneuploidies including trisomy 21 and down syndrome in the developing baby during first and second trimester of pregnancy.
What is Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A used for?
For prenatal screening in the first trimester of pregnancy
To detect Down syndrome
To detect Trisomy 18
Interpreting Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A results
Interpretations
High Levels may indicate the following:
Pregnancy
Myocardial infarction
Unstable angina
Low Levels may indicate the following:
Trisomy 18
Down Syndrome
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A
Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A
Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?
Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.
Q. Is PAPP-A test only used for pregnancy?
No, apart from pregnancy, PAPP-A test is found positive in patients of Acute coronary heart disease such as unstable angina, myocardial infarction or in patients having ruptured or unstable plaques in the arteries.
Q. Can PAPP-A test found positive in men also?
Yes, it can be found positive in men having acute coronary heart diseases like unstable angina, myocardial infarction or in men having ruptured or unstable plaques in the arteries.
Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?
There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.
Q. Are there any other tests required with PAPP-A test?
Before going for PAPP-A test, the doctor advises for the ultrasound. Other tests which may be advised are the b-hCG test or Double marker test.
Q. What is Down's syndrome?
It is a genetic disorder in which extra genetic material from chromosome 21 gets transferred to the fetus. This transfer affects the development of the fetus leading to abnormal development both physically and mentally. The affected baby will have a small head and short neck, obliquely positioned eyes looking in an upward direction, large tongue coming out of the mouth, flat face, wide hands with short fingers, and lack of muscle tone.
Q. What is Trisomy 18?
It is also known as Edwards Syndrome which is caused by the development of an extra chromosome 18. Because of this, the normal pattern of development in the baby gets disturbed even before its birth. The effects caused by Trisomy 18 are very complicated as compared to Down syndrome. The effects are so severe that it can cause stillbirth (death at the time of birth) of the child.
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