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PAPP-A (Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A) Test

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PAPP-A (Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A) Test

Short Name: PAPP-A Test

Also known as: PAPP-A Test, Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A, First Trimester PAPP-A Screening

PAPP-A (Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A) Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹1,053. Uses Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) on Serum samples. Results in If your blood sample is collected by 9 am, the report is generally available the same day through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Prenatal Screening Blood TestFemalePregnant Adults🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Ramarao Paidisetty

Dr Ramarao Paidisetty

Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

The purpose of the PAPP-A test is to evaluate placental function in early pregnancy and help estimate the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, particularly when combined with other first-trimester screening markers such as free beta-hCG and nuchal translucency ultrasound.

Test Code
3532
Price
₹1,053
Sample Type
Serum
Result Time
If your blood sample is collected by 9 am, the report is generally available the same day through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA)
Step 1

Sample Collection

No fasting or special preparation is required. Carry your doctor's prescription and any previous ultrasound reports. Inform the lab about medications or supplements you are taking, if relevant.

Method: Venipuncture (blood from arm vein)

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The procedure is quick and usually takes about five minutes. You may feel a mild pricking sensation at the puncture site.

Step 3

Report Delivery

You can resume normal activities immediately after the blood draw. Apply firm pressure on the venipuncture site for a few minutes to reduce bruising.

Timeline: If your blood sample is collected by 9 am, the report is generally available the same day through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No special preparation is needed. Confirm the correct gestational age with your obstetrician before the test.
2
During the Test:A qualified phlebotomist will collect a small blood sample from a vein in your arm.
3
After the Test:You can continue your normal routine immediately after the sample is collected.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

The purpose of the PAPP-A test is to evaluate placental function in early pregnancy and help estimate the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, particularly when combined with other first-trimester screening markers such as free beta-hCG and nuchal translucency ultrasound.

How to Prepare

  • No special preparation required.
  • Inform the phlebotomist if you have any bleeding disorders or are on anticoagulant therapy.
  • Provide correct gestational age and ultrasound information for MoM calculation.
  • The sample must be collected in a serum separator tube and transported according to stability guidelines.

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504

"Low PAPP-A in the first trimester is an important clinical clue for enhanced obstetric surveillance; however, it should not be used alone to predict pregnancy outcomes."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeSerum
Sample Volume2 mL (1 mL min.)
Container1 SST (Serum Separator Tube)
Collection MethodVenipuncture (blood from arm vein)

Sample Stability

Room Temperature: 6 hours
Refrigerator: 24 hours
Frozen: 2 months
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Haemolysed, lipemic, or grossly icteric specimens
  • Inadequately labelled samples or missing patient details
  • Sample received after the listed stability period
  • Use of incorrect blood collection tube

Understanding Your Results

PAPP-A results should always be interpreted by an obstetrician in combination with other screening markers and clinical history. The MoM value adjusts for gestational age, and the final risk assessment is based on the full screening algorithm.
📊

PAPP-A 0.5–2.0 MoM

Usually considered low-risk for the conditions assessed; however, this alone does not rule out all aneuploidies or pregnancy complications.

📊

PAPP-A < 0.5 MoM

Considered low. Associated with increased risk of trisomy 21, trisomy 18, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction. Further fetal medicine evaluation is recommended.

📊

PAPP-A > 2.0 MoM

Interpretation is gestational-age dependent and may be seen in multiple pregnancy or certain maternal conditions. Discuss with your obstetrician.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

If your PAPP-A result is low or if you have concerns about your first-trimester screening, contact your gynaecologist or fetal medicine specialist for further assessment. Do not interpret the result yourself.

Limitations

  • ⚠PAPP-A is a screening test, not a diagnostic test.
  • ⚠Low PAPP-A alone does not confirm any disease.
  • ⚠Results should be interpreted with maternal age, gestational age, nuchal translucency ultrasound, free beta-hCG, and other clinical details.
  • ⚠The test cannot detect all fetal chromosomal abnormalities or pregnancy complications.

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Minimal bruising at the puncture site
  • ●Slight bleeding or haematoma
  • ●Dizziness or fainting during blood collection
  • ●Rare local infection

Interfering Factors

  • ●PAPP-A levels naturally increase with gestational age, so incorrect dating can affect interpretation.
  • ●Multiple pregnancies can alter PAPP-A levels.
  • ●Maternal weight and ethnicity may affect calculated MoM values.
  • ●Haemolysed or lipemic blood samples can affect assay reliability.

Compare With Similar Tests

TestPAPP-A (Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A) Test
ComparisonPAPP-A (Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A) Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PAPP-A test?
PAPP-A (Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A) is a protein produced by the placenta. The PAPP-A test measures the level of this protein in maternal blood and is used for first-trimester prenatal screening.
Why is the PAPP-A test done during pregnancy?
It helps in risk assessment for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and trisomy 18, and for placental complications such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.
When is the PAPP-A test performed?
It is usually performed between 11 and 13+6 weeks of pregnancy, as part of the first-trimester combined screening.
Is fasting required for the PAPP-A test?
No, no special preparation or fasting is required for the PAPP-A test.
What does a low PAPP-A level mean?
Low levels may indicate an increased risk of fetal aneuploidy, preeclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction. It is not a diagnosis and needs further evaluation.
Does low PAPP-A mean my baby has Down syndrome?
No. It only means the risk is higher than expected. Most pregnancies with low PAPP-A deliver normal babies. Additional diagnostic tests are needed to confirm.
Are there symptoms of low PAPP-A levels?
Low PAPP-A itself does not cause symptoms. It is a laboratory marker that may indicate higher risk. Any symptoms such as high blood pressure, swelling, or poor fetal growth may be related to associated conditions and should be evaluated by a doctor.
What is the cost of the PAPP-A test at DNA Labs India?
The cost is Rs 1053.0, and free home sample collection is available for online bookings.
Can the PAPP-A test detect preeclampsia?
Low PAPP-A is associated with an increased risk for preeclampsia, but the PAPP-A test alone is not a diagnostic test for preeclampsia.
How is the blood sample collected?
A qualified phlebotomist collects 2 mL of blood from a vein in your arm into a serum separator tube.
When will I get the report?
If blood is collected by 9 am, reports are generally available the same day through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Is home sample collection available?
Yes, DNA Labs India provides free home sample collection for the PAPP-A test in many cities across India.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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