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

The PAPP-A test measures the level of Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A in the blood, a protein produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It is often used as part of prenatal screening, particularly in the first trimester, to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and other fetal complications. Low levels of PAPP-A may indicate a higher risk of these conditions, while normal levels help assess the health of the pregnancy.