Composite test

What is a composite test?

Combined test also referred to as: double test, PAPP-A test is a test that a pregnant woman should have during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is a test consisting of an ultrasound and biochemical blood tests: PAPP-A, beta- hcg and in some cases also PlGF (placental growth factor). In addition, the composite test takes into account, among other things. age, medical history of the mother-to-be including information such as suffering from hypertension or having previously given birth to a child with a genetic defect. In addition, the composite test also includes measurement of blood pressure, preferably twice on each arm.

When is a composite test performed?

The composite test should take place between between 11+0 weeks. a 13+6 wks. It is very important that the child’s parietal-peripheral length (CRL) be between 45 and 84 mm. This will ensure that the study is accurate and the results are reliable.

Read also:
Mandatory tests in the first trimester

How does the composite test work?

The composite test involves a visit to a gynecologist’s office and an ultrasound of the first trimester in accordance with current recommendations. All the necessary measurements are entered into a special calculator to calculate the risk for chromosomal aberrations, but also for pre-eclampsia (preeclampsia) or fetal growth restriction. To make the test more accurate and the result complete, it is necessary to draw blood from the pregnant woman. It is not necessary to be fasting. Blood can be drawn before or after the visit. If the blood results come in after the appointment, another meeting with the gynecologist is necessary to calculate the final risk after taking into account all the parameters. The mother-to-be should also have her blood pressure measured 2 times on each hand, after adequate rest.

Composite test – for what purpose is it performed?

The purpose of the composite test is to calculate the risk of chromosomal defects such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and Patau syndrome and, very importantly and not to be overlooked, the risk of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction in the later weeks of pregnancy. The result obtained makes it possible to implement an adequate course of action.

Results of the composite test

The results of the composite test should be discussed with the pregnant woman by the doctor performing the test. It should be certified to perform accurate and reliable first trimester examinations, as well as medical equipment with appropriate specifications.

According to PTGiP recommendations, when the calculated risk of chromosomal aberrations is every higher than 1:300, invasive diagnostics such as chorionic villus biopsy or amniocentesis is recommended. And when the result is intermediate, i.e., between 1:300 and 1:1000, the mother-to-be is advised to perform a non-invasive free fetal DNA test. However, it should be borne in mind that this is an unreimbursed test.

It should also not be forgotten that in the composite test, in addition to the risk of chromosomal aberrations, the risk of preeclampsia is also calculated. If it is higher than 1:150 (1:100 in some studies) the mother-to-be is advised to take Acard 150 mg overnight every day until 36. One week of pregnancy. It is very important to start acetylsalicylic acid supplementation before 16. week of pregnancy.

Price of a composite test

The composite test, as a first trimester ultrasound with PAPP-A test, belongs to prenatal testing. They are reimbursed for all women over 35. years of age, as well as for those ladies who had a chromosomal aberration of the fetus or child in a previous pregnancy or who had abnormalities indicating an increased risk of chromosomal aberration or defect of the fetus in the ultrasound / fetal biochemical tests.

The compound test can also be done privately. The price of such a study varies depending on the city from PLN 450 to PLN 750.