Blood test for pregnancy name

HCG blood test - quantitative Information | Mount Sinai

Serial beta HCG; Repeat quantitative beta HCG; Human chorionic gonadotropin blood test - quantitative; Beta-HCG blood test - quantitative; Pregnancy test - blood - quantitative

A quantitative human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test measures the specific level of HCG in the blood. HCG is a hormone produced in the body during pregnancy.

Other HCG tests include:

HCG urine test
HCG blood test -- qualitative

Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed. This is most often taken from a vein. The procedure is called a venipuncture.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is needed.

How the Test will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed

HCG appears in the blood and urine of pregnant women as early as 10 days after conception. Quantitative HCG measurement helps determine the exact age of the fetus. It can also assist in the diagnosis of abnormal pregnancies, such as ectopic pregnancies, molar pregnancies, and possible miscarriages. It is also used as part of a screening test for Down syndrome.

This test is also done to diagnose abnormal conditions not related to pregnancy that can raise HCG level.

Normal Results

Results are given in milli-international units per milliliter (mUI/mL).

Normal levels are found in:

Non-pregnant women: less than 5 mIU/mL
Healthy men: less than 2 mIU/mL

In pregnancy, HCG level rises rapidly during the first trimester and then declines slightly. The expected HCG ranges in pregnant women are based on the length of the pregnancy.

3 weeks: 5 - 72 mIU/mL
4 weeks: 10 -708 mIU/mL
5 weeks: 217 - 8,245 mIU/mL
6 weeks: 152 - 32,177 mIU/mL
7 weeks: 4,059 - 153,767 mIU/mL
8 weeks: 31,366 - 149,094 mIU/mL
9 weeks: 59,109 - 135,901 mIU/mL
10 weeks: 44,186 - 170,409 mIU/mL
12 weeks: 27,107 - 201,165 mIU/mL
14 weeks: 24,302 - 93,646 mIU/mL
15 weeks: 12,540 - 69,747 mIU/mL
16 weeks: 8,904 - 55,332 mIU/mL
17 weeks: 8,240 - 51,793 mIU/mL
18 weeks: 9,649 - 55,271 mIU/mL

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test result.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Higher than normal level may indicate:

More than one fetus, for example, twins or triplets
Choriocarcinoma of the uterus
Hydatidiform mole of the uterus
Ovarian cancer
Testicular cancer (in men)

During pregnancy, lower than normal levels based on the gestational age may indicate:

Fetal death
Incomplete miscarriage
Threatened spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)
Ectopic pregnancy

Risks

Risks of having blood drawn are slight, but may include:

Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling lightheaded
Blood accumulating under the skin (hematoma)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Jain S, Pincus MR, Bluth MH, McPherson RA, Bowne WB, Lee P. Diagnosis and management of cancer using serological and other body fluid markers. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 74.

Jeelani R, Bluth MH. Reproductive function and pregnancy. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 25.

University of Iowa Diagnostic Laboratories. Test directory: HCG - serum, quantitative. www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/path_handbook/rhandbook/test446.html. Updated February 10, 2022. Accessed March 11, 2022.

Yarbrough ML, Stout M, Gronowski AM. Pregnancy and its disorders. In: Rifai N, ed. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2018:chap 69.

Last reviewed on: 12/3/2020

Reviewed by: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 03/11/2022.

Pregnancy Test hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Test Quick Guide

A pregnancy test measures a hormone in the body called hCG, produced during pregnancy by the placenta and found in the blood and urine.

Testing for hCG can be done as soon as 10 days after conception to help determine if you are pregnant. Measuring hCG can also help identify complications during pregnancy.

HCG

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) plus the hCG beta-subunit

$49.00

This test measures the level of hCG in the blood.

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About the Test

Purpose of the test

The main use of a pregnancy test is to evaluate if you are pregnant. Both urine and blood tests for hCG can be used for this purpose, and repeat testing may be done to confirm a pregnancy. Very early in a pregnancy, tests that measure the amount of hCG may also help assess the age of a fetus.

Less often, hcG tests can be used to:

Identify or rule out an ectopic pregnancy, when a fertilized egg attaches or implants in an abnormal area
Check for pregnancy prior to 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), a term for pregnancy-related tumors

What does the test measure?

A pregnancy test measures a hormone in the body called hCG, which is created at higher levels during pregnancy. There are two different ways hCG results are reported:

Qualitative: These hCG tests give a positive or negative result depending on the presence or absence of hCG in the sample. Qualitative tests can be done using either a blood or urine sample. This type of testing is done most often to confirm a pregnancy.
Quantitative: This type of hCG testing measures the amount of hCG present in the blood. These tests frequently use a blood sample, but some urine tests can provide a degree of quantitative measurement. Along with confirming a pregnancy, quantitative hCG tests can also be used as part of the diagnostic process for abnormal pregnancies.

When should I get a pregnancy test?

A pregnancy test is most commonly done when you believe you may be pregnant. Testing may detect a pregnancy as soon as 10 days after conception. The accuracy of pregnancy tests usually increases if taken at least one to two weeks after a missed menstrual period.

It may also be done when there are signs and symptoms that suggest an ectopic pregnancy or a pregnancy that is failing.

Signs of an ectopic pregnancy may include:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Low back pain
Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
Cramping on one side of the pelvis

Additional and more severe symptoms may develop if an ectopic pregnancy is not identified and treated, so it is important if you’re of childbearing age to talk with a doctor if you notice these symptoms.

Pregnancy testing may also be done as a routine test prior to some medical treatments, such as surgeries or chemotherapy, that could potentially harm a fetus.

A doctor can best determine if a pregnancy test is appropriate.

Finding a Pregnancy Test

How can I get a pregnancy test?

Laboratory tests such as blood draws and urine samples generally need to be ordered by a health care professional. Either of these tests can take place in a doctor’s office, hospital, or laboratory. Urine pregnancy tests can ordered or be taken at home. If you suspect you are pregnant, talk with your health care professional about how to get a blood pregnancy test.

Can I take the test at home?

At-home pregnancy tests are a fast and convenient way to take a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy testing is very similar to qualitative urine hCG testing performed in the laboratory, but there are some important differences to be aware of:

At-home tests have very specific instructions that must be followed exactly. When using an at-home test, follow the directions carefully. Each test’s ability to detect the presence of hCG can vary based on the brand of the test.
Look carefully at the test instructions about how long you must wait to test after a missed menstrual period. Tests that are done too early may result in a negative result when you are actually pregnant.
At-home pregnancy tests should typically be done using a urine sample taken the first time you urinate in the morning. This is when urine is the most concentrated and has enough hCG to be detected.

When used correctly, most at-home pregnancy tests produce the same result as the qualitative urine hCG test done by a medical provider.

If your test is positive, it is important to reach out to your health care provider to learn more about the next steps in your care, including if other tests are needed to confirm that you are pregnant.

How much does the test cost?

The cost of testing, whether it’s a blood pregnancy test or a urine pregnancy test, depends on several factors, including your insurance coverage, the type of pregnancy test, and where the test is performed. For example, a blood pregnancy test is $49, and a urine pregnancy test is $47 from Testing.com.

If the pregnancy test is ordered by a doctor, insurance normally covers most of the cost, except for copays and deductibles. It’s important to check with your health insurance and health care provider for more information about specific costs.

Taking a Pregnancy Test

A pregnancy test is done using blood or urine samples.

A blood test is done by drawing a tube of blood from a vein in your arm. This takes place in the doctor’s office, and the sample is sent to the laboratory.
A urine test is done by urinating into a cup and then placing a drop of urine on a prepared chemical strip. This can be done in a doctor’s office or at home using an at-home test kit.

Before the test

You usually do not need to fast or do any special preparations before a urine or blood pregnancy test. However, you should always ask your doctor to clarify or confirm any pretest instructions.

During the test

When a pregnancy test is conducted in a medical facility or lab, a health care professional will instruct you on whether a blood or urine sample will be needed.

If a blood sample is needed, it will be taken with a needle inserted into a vein in your arm. Before drawing the blood, an elastic band is tied around your upper arm to increase blood in the veins. The puncture location is then wiped clean and disinfected. A needle blood draw may cause a brief sting but normally lasts less than a minute.

To collect a urine sample, you urinate into a sterile cup provided by your health care provider. In most cases, a urine sample taken the first time you urinate in the morning is best. Collecting a urine sample normally takes only a few minutes.

After the test

When the blood draw is completed, a bandage or cotton swab will be used to prevent bleeding. You will likely be advised to keep the bandage on for an hour or more.

Providing a urine sample does not require any post-test instructions or restrictions.

Pregnancy Test Results

Receiving test results

The time it takes to get the results of a pregnancy test depends on the type of test that is ordered. It may take anywhere from a few hours to more than a day to get the results of a blood test. Results from urine tests are generally available in one to two minutes.

Because both of these tests are generally done in a clinic setting, you will likely receive the results from a health care professional.

Interpreting test results

How pregnancy tests are reported depends on whether the test was qualitative or quantitative.

Qualitative test results

Qualitative test results are reported as positive or negative:

A negative test result indicates that you are likely not pregnant. It is important to remember that tests performed too early can result in a false-negative result due to low levels of hCG. The test may need to be repeated in a week if there is a likely possibility of pregnancy.
A positive result indicates that you are likely pregnant. False-positive results can occur if you are post-menopausal or taking hormone supplements.

Quantitative test results

Quantitative test results are reported in milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL). hCG should not be detectable if you are not pregnant. If you are pregnant, hCG doubles approximately every two to three days during the first one to two months of the pregnancy. The level of hCG keeps rising throughout the first trimester and declines slowly during the second and third trimesters.

The results of quantitative test results may also be considered if hCG testing is being done related to an abnormal pregnancy or other health conditions.

Talking with a health care professional is the best way to learn more about your test results and the next steps in your care. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor after taking a pregnancy test:

Should the test be repeated if I didn’t get the expected result?
Is it possible that the result was a false negative or a false positive?
What can a quantitative hCG test tell me about the baby’s health?
If the test shows I’m pregnant, what are the next steps to begin prenatal care?

Progesterone Learn More
Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) Learn More
First Trimester Screening Learn More
Maternal Serum Screening, Second Trimester Learn More

Resources

CDC: Pregnancy
Womenshealth. gov: Knowing If You Are Pregnant
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Ectopic Pregnancy

Sources

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what shows the norm during pregnancy, how and when to take, decoding

June 2, 2020

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Contents

What is HCG?

The role of the hormone in the diagnosis of pregnancy

When should I donate blood for hCG?

How to prepare for the analysis?

HCG test interpretation

How accurate is the hCG test?

An hCG blood test is one of the most important tools for monitoring a developing pregnancy.

What is HCG?

An hCG blood test is a reliable way to determine pregnancy in the early stages. HCG is a protein consisting of two units. Alpha particles of the hormone are similar to biologically active substances secreted by the pituitary gland. Beta particles are unique. The mass of the CG molecule is approximately 46 kDa. During pregnancy, glycoprotein is synthesized in the placenta. The biological properties of CG are in many ways similar to the properties of other hormones: luteinizing and follicle-stimulating. In some malignant diseases, hCG begins to produce tumor cells. In a non-pregnant woman and a healthy man, the hormone is practically absent in blood tests.

In obstetrics and gynecology, the test for b hCG, along with ultrasound, is used to monitor pregnancy throughout the entire period. Deviations in the readings of the analysis are the basis for further examination and require the consultation of a geneticist. An artificial increase in the level of hCG is used in the IVF process. As a result of injections of hCG in women, the maturation and release of the egg is stimulated, the production of estrogen and progesterone increases. In men, the introduction of exogenous hCG activates the growth of the number of spermatozoa.

It is proved that the substance also has the properties of corticotropic hormone. HCG has an effect on the adrenal glands, stimulating the synthesis of steroids in their cortex. Thus, he is involved in preparing the body of a pregnant woman for the upcoming physiological stress. Since the fetus is perceived as foreign by the mother's body, some immunosuppressive influence of hormones, including hCG, is required for its normal development.

HCG promotes the maturation of placental tissues. Thanks to him and other hormones, its functional activity increases and the number of chorionic villi increases.

Without the hormone, the normal development of the embryo is not possible. HCG ensures the production of estrogens and progesterone, and also maintains their balance in the body of the expectant mother. Therefore, any pregnancy support program always contains regular tests for hCG levels.

Urinalysis for hCG (beta particles)

Compared to blood, expectant mother's urine contains less of the hormone. Therefore, determining the concentration of a substance in the urine can diagnose pregnancy only from a period of 8-10 days. Like a laboratory study, pharmacy tests are also based on the determination of hCG in the urine. Home tests have a lower threshold of sensitivity than laboratory tests, and, accordingly, a lower degree of reliability. Their positive result requires a visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist to confirm a normal pregnancy.

Free hCG assay (beta-hCG subunit)

The range of application of this test is quite wide. In oncology, it is in demand as a marker of malignant tumors. Measurement of the number of independent particles of hCG in the blood is informative in relation to testicular cancer in men. In addition, this indicator is important in the diagnosis of trophoblastic tumors in women. It is included in 1 and 2 pregnancy screenings. The study helps to assess the risk of such congenital fetal pathologies as Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome.

The role of the hormone in the diagnosis of pregnancy

An analysis of the amount of total hCG occupies a special place in confirming pregnancy in the early stages. This is due to the fact that the hormone begins to be actively released already a few days after the attachment of the fetal egg to the wall of the uterus. With the normal development of the embryo, the level of the substance doubles every 1.5-2 days. By the tenth week, the amount of hCG in a woman's tests can reach maximum values - up to 225,000 mU / ml.

Simultaneously with the blood for total hCG, other examinations are prescribed for the pregnant woman. So the patient should visit the ultrasound scanning room at least three times. Within nine months, several studies may be required. Comprehensive screenings of the 1st and 2nd trimesters also include an hCG test.

When to donate blood for hCG

A blood test for the hormone is given as needed. The hCG test is prescribed for the first time directly during the diagnosis of pregnancy itself. The second is as part of screening with ultrasound and other tests. Screening is designed to identify a risk group for congenital fetal pathologies among pregnant women.

Approximate dates of studies on hCG:

confirmation of pregnancy - from the 6th day after conception;
first - from 11 to 13 weeks;
second from 19 to 23 weeks;
3rd trimester screening is done after 28 weeks of gestation.

How to prepare for a blood test

Preparing for an hCG test involves a number of standard requirements for hormone testing. The analysis is given on an empty stomach, after an overnight fast in the morning or afternoon. You should come to the treatment room in good health. In order for the results of the hCG test to be as reliable as possible, it is recommended in 2-3 days:

stop drinking alcohol;
exclude spicy and fatty foods from the diet;
cancel strength training;
Avoid smoking a couple of hours before donating blood.

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Take a blood test for hCG (chorionic gonadotropin)

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) - glycoprotein, consists of α- and β-subunits; produced by placental syncytiotrophoblast during pregnancy. Supports the existence of the corpus luteum and its functioning, stimulating the production of an increased amount of progesterone. The content of hCG in urine and serum increases from the first day of pregnancy, on which most pregnancy tests are based. With multiple pregnancies, the level of hCG is higher. The test for hCG in dynamics allows us to draw a conclusion about a successfully developing pregnancy, it can be prescribed if there is a threat or suspicion of termination of pregnancy. A blood test for hCG is also used to detect a number of tumors (primarily trophoblastic ones) and evaluate the effectiveness of their treatment.

HCG during pregnancy

The concentration of the hormone increases from the moment of conception, its peak is reached in the second month of pregnancy. HCG promotes the synthesis of a number of hormones that are necessary for the normal development of pregnancy, protects the baby from the immune response of the mother's body. After the formation of the placenta, the need for a large amount of this hormone disappears, and its level decreases. During the second half of pregnancy, it remains constant.

Reference hCG values depend on the gestational age. Tables have been developed that allow you to monitor the level of this hormone. In the presence of deviations in any direction, it is recommended to undergo a comprehensive examination. Such deviations may indicate a high risk of miscarriage or premature birth, severe fetal pathology. Modern medicine in many cases is able to cope with problems, but only if they are detected in a timely manner. Therefore, it is important that a woman is under the supervision of a doctor throughout the entire time of bearing a baby.

HCG change in oncology

Normally, hCG is synthesized in small amounts. Its production increases significantly in women during the period of bearing a baby. Deviation from normal indicators indicates pathology. Low levels of the hormone indicate the presence of health problems only during pregnancy. In all other cases, the decrease in indicators is explained by the individual characteristics of the organism and does not pose a threat to health.
An increase in hCG can serve as a tumor marker. For example, exceeding the norm is typical for chorionic carcinoma. The cells of this neoplasm are capable of producing hCG. This pathology often develops after an abortion. Increased production of the hormone is also observed in malignant neoplasms of the testicles. The synthesis of the hormone occurs in the embryonic tissues of the neoplasm. An increase in indicators can also be observed with oncology of the uterus.
HCG serves as a marker not only for cancer of the reproductive system, but also for malignant neoplasms of the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs. Some types of neoplasms of these organs contain germ cells and are capable of producing hCG.

The hormone has 100% sensitivity in diagnosing neoplasms such as choriocarcinoma, certain types of cancer of the gastrointestinal tract and the genitourinary system, and germ cell neoplasms. With the help of this analysis, malignant neoplasms of the testicles are differentiated from benign tumors. This test is prescribed in combination with other oncomarkers and instrumental studies. Based on the results of all the data obtained, an accurate diagnosis is made and the most effective treatment method is selected. Timely diagnosis allows in many cases to achieve a complete cure, save the patient's life.

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