What is the purpose of this test?
Order this hCG (Pregnancy) Blood Test, Quantitative, which measures a hormone called hCG, produced during pregnancy by the placenta and found in the blood. Testing for hCG can be done as early as ten days following conception to help determine pregnancy. This test can also help identify complications during pregnancy. In some patients, several quantitative blood hCG results over several days may be ordered to screen for an ectopic pregnancy or to monitor a woman after a miscarriage.
Additionally, this test helps determine the presence of hCG in patients with gestational trophoblastic disease, evaluate and monitor male patients with germ cell or testicular tumors, and follow-up molar pregnancy. Finally, the quantitative hCG assay should be used for nonroutine detection of hCG (e.g., ectopic pregnancy, threatened abortions, miscarriages, or very early pregnancy).
Individuals may order an HCG Blood Test to help with the following:
- Identify or rule out an ectopic pregnancy when a fertilized egg attaches or implants in an abnormal area
- Check for pregnancy before surgery or other medical treatments
- Screen for Down syndrome if you are pregnant as part of prenatal screening
- Monitor a pregnancy that may be at risk of a miscarriage
- Help diagnose gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) or germ cell tumors
When should I order an HCG (Pregnancy) Blood Test, QN?
Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to ectopic pregnancy, a failing pregnancy, gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), or germ cell tumors. Common signs or symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Lower back pain
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Cramping on a specific side of the pelvis
In addition, common signs of GTD may include:
- Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Rapid abdominal swelling
- Early onset pre-eclampsia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- A positive pregnancy test (qualitative hCG) without a detected fetus
- An enlarged uterus, even after pregnancy
Germ cell tumor-related symptoms in women and men are similar to those of ovarian and testicular cancer.
LC Sample ReportQD Sample Report
Test Code(s):
004416, 8396
Also Known As:
Beta-hCG Quantitative, Serum, hCG Quantitative, Serum, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Beta Subunit, Quantitative.
Preparation:
No fasting is required. Patient should stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.
Test Results:
1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
