Pregnancy blood test results meaning
hCG Levels | The American Pregnancy Association
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is often called the pregnancy hormone because it is made by cells formed in the placenta, which nourishes the egg after it has been fertilized and becomes attached to the uterine wall. Levels can first be detected by a blood test about 11 days after conception and about 12-14 days after conception by a urine test.
Typically, the hCG levels will double every 72 hours. The level will reach its peak in the first 8-11 weeks of pregnancy and then will decline and level off for the remainder of the pregnancy.
- As you get further along in pregnancy and the hCG level gets higher, the time it takes to double can increase to about every 96 hours.
- Caution must be used in making too much of hCG numbers. A normal pregnancy may have low hCG levels and result in a perfectly healthy baby. The results from an ultrasound after 5 -6 weeks gestation are much more accurate than using hCG numbers.
- An hCG level of less than 5 mIU/mL is considered negative for pregnancy, and anything above 25 mIU/mL is considered positive for pregnancy.
- An hCG level between 6 and 24 mIU/mL is considered a grey area, and you’ll likely need to be retested to see if your levels rise to confirm a pregnancy.
- The hCG hormone is measured in milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL).
- A transvaginal ultrasound should be able to show at least a gestational sac once the hCG levels have reached between 1,000 – 2,000 mIU/mL. Because levels can differentiate so much and conception dating can be wrong, a diagnosis should not be made by ultrasound findings until the hCG level has reached at least 2,000 mIU/mL.
- A single reading is not enough information for most diagnoses. When there is a question regarding the health of the pregnancy, multiple testings of hCG done a couple of days apart give a more accurate assessment of the situation.
- The hCG levels should not be used to date a pregnancy since these numbers can vary so widely.
- There are two common types of hCG tests. A qualitative test detects if hCG is present in the blood. A quantitative test (or beta) measures the amount of hCG actually present in the blood.
Guideline to hCG levels in weeks during pregnancy
* These numbers are just a guideline – every woman’s level of hCG can rise differently. It is not necessarily the level that matters, but rather the change in the level.
What Does a Low hCG Level Mean?
A low hCG level can mean any number of things and should be rechecked within 48-72 hours to see how the level is changing. A low level can indicate:
- Miscalculation of pregnancy dating
- Possible miscarriage or blighted ovum
- Ectopic pregnancy
Is a High hCG Level a Bad Thing?
A high level of hCG can also mean a number of things and should be rechecked within 48-72 hours to evaluate changes in the level.
A high level can indicate:
- Miscalculation of pregnancy dating
- Molar pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancies
Should I Check My hCG level Regularly?
It’s not common for doctors to routinely check your hCG levels unless you are showing signs of a potential problem.
A health care provider may recheck your levels if you are bleeding, experiencing severe cramping, or have a history of miscarriage.
What Can I Expect After a Pregnancy Loss?
Most women can expect their levels to return to a non-pregnant range about 4 – 6 weeks after a pregnancy loss has occurred.
This can differentiate by how the loss occurred (spontaneous miscarriage, D & C procedure, abortion, natural delivery) and how high the levels were at the time of the loss.
Healthcare providers usually will continue to test hCG levels after a pregnancy loss to ensure they return back to <5.0.
What Can Interfere With My hCG Levels?
If you get a positive test result, you are most likely pregnant.
False positives are extremely rare. However, there are some conditions that may cause a false positive, such as certain types of cancer and early miscarriage. Some antibodies may also interfere with test results.
Medications that contain hCG may interfere with hCG levels, as well.
These medications are often used infertility treatments, and your health care provider should advise you on how they may affect a test.
All other medications such as antibiotics, pain relievers, contraception or other hormone medications should not have any effect on a test that measures hCG.
Want to Know More?
- Pregnancy Calculator
- Calculating Gestation Age
- Concerns Regarding Early Fetal Development
Compiled using information from the following sources:
1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
www.fda.gov
2. Bashir, I; Ihenetu, K; Miller, J.J.; Gim, M.; Lippmann, S. A Positive Pregnancy Test in the Post-Menopausal Psychiatric Patient — What to Think? Psychiatry (Edgemont).
Feb. 2006.
HCG blood test - quantitative
Medical Tests
Definition
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
Alternative Names
Serial beta HCG; Repeat quantitative beta HCG; Human chorionic gonadotropin blood test - quantitative; Beta-HCG blood test - quantitative; Pregnancy test - blood - quantitative
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)
References
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 - pregnancy, serum, quantitative. www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/path_handbook/rhandbook/test1549.html. Updated December 14, 2017. Accessed February 18, 2019.
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.
Review Date: 09/25/2018
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright ©2019 A.D.A.M., Inc., as modified by University of California San Francisco. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Information developed by A.D.A.M., Inc. regarding tests and test results may not directly correspond with information provided by UCSF Health. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.
how to pass, explanation of indicators, whether it is possible to take it in early pregnancy, cost .
But it will come in handy in some other cases.
What is hCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced by placental cells during pregnancy. A small amount of hCG is also produced in the pituitary gland.
nine0003
Most commonly, hCG levels are measured using one of two blood tests.
Free beta-hCG is taken during prenatal screenings of the first and second trimesters: at 11-14 and 15-20 weeks of pregnancy. This is one of the ways to diagnose chromosomal pathologies, which we will return to later.
Another test for free beta-hCG is prescribed for the diagnosis of malignant neoplasms:
- in women - choriocarcinoma, hydatidiform mole;
- in men - testicular cancer. nine0026
Generic beta hCG. To diagnose pregnancy, it is the total beta-hCG, which is often called simply hCG or hCG analysis, that is used. Any laboratory will understand what you mean when you say that you need an hCG analysis for pregnant women.
Total beta-hCG begins to be produced 6-8 days after ovulation. It promotes the production of progesterone, supports the growth of the placenta, promotes the growth of the fetus.
/pregnancy/
How much does it cost to carry a baby
There are two more types of hCG hormones, but they are not of great importance for diagnosis:
- Hyperglycosylated hCG, which is synthesized in the second or third week of pregnancy.
- Pituitary hCG that mimics the action of luteinizing hormone during the menstrual cycle.
Men also have hCG hormones, albeit in a minimal amount, so calling hCG a pregnancy hormone, although beautiful, is not quite right. In the male body, hCG performs an important function - it causes the testicles to produce testosterone. nine0003
Further in the article we will mainly talk about the analysis for total hCG in the body of a woman, because it is taken most often.
How hCG levels are determined
HCG levels are determined using tests that show the concentration of the hormone in urine or blood. If it is below 5 mIU / ml, the analysis is negative, within 5-25 mIU / ml it is doubtful, and a concentration above 25 mIU / ml indicates pregnancy.
Human chorionic gonadotropin - Medscape
HCG levels can be measured using test strips, digital urine tests sold in supermarkets, and a blood test for hCG from a vein that is done in a laboratory.
Strips and digital tests are convenient for home use: special knowledge and reagents are not needed to perform the test and evaluate the result. It is important to remember that pregnancy test strips often do not show pregnancy until a missed period. The reason is that in the urine the level of the hormone increases later than in the blood. nine0003
Test strips usually do a qualitative analysis for hCG: they answer “yes” if the hormone detection threshold is exceeded, and “no” if the hormone level in the blood has not reached the threshold level. Their sensitivity starts from 20-50 mIU / ml, and this is written in the instructions. But some digital tests can show the approximate duration of pregnancy in weeks: one, two or three, or three or more weeks. There is little benefit from this: anyway, only a blood test gives accurate data.
A blood or urine test in the laboratory is always quantitative and allows you to find out the exact concentration of hCG. For such an analysis, you will need venous blood or the first portion of morning urine. nine0003
What to do? 12.12.19
In the clinic they force you to buy a container for tests
The sensitivity threshold of the Clearblue Plus test is 25 mIU / ml The sensitivity of the Evitest tests is 20 mIU / mlHow to donate blood for an hCG test
When to take an hCG test. It makes sense to take an analysis for hCG no earlier than the first day of missed menstruation. In some cases, it is possible even 2-3 days earlier: if, according to the terms from intercourse, pregnancy is already possible.
Where to get tested for hCG. In Russia, a blood test for total hCG to check for pregnancy is accepted by most commercial laboratories. It can also be taken in private clinics that do tests on their own equipment or send them to a specialized laboratory.
Before testing for hCG, no examination or referral from a doctor is needed: it can be taken at any laboratory for a fee.
How to prepare. Before taking hCG, different laboratories give different recommendations: from "preferably in the morning and on an empty stomach" to "strictly on an empty stomach, do not drink or smoke an hour before the analysis." In Europe and the USA, there are no restrictions before surrender at all. At the same time, if you plan to take the analysis several times, it makes sense to do it at the same time of day - this way the result will be more objective. nine0003
HCG blood test - Walk-In Lab, USA
Cost of analysis
Prices valid in Moscow at the time of publication and include blood sampling from a vein.
In the laboratory:
- "Invitro" - 810 R;
- "Hemotest" - 760 R, called b-hCG;
- CMD - 685 R.
In a private clinic:
- Chaika - 1400 R;
- "Family" - 1100 R;
- "TsIR" - 770 R.
nine0020 A blood test for hCG to check for pregnancy can be taken according to compulsory health insurance. To do this, you need to get a referral from a gynecologist at a clinic or antenatal clinic. But there is no point in this saving.
/analiz/
You are entitled to free tests under CHI
The queue for tests can stretch for two weeks, waiting for results - for a week or more. Outdated by three weeks - yes, at least for three days, because the level of hCG during pregnancy is constantly growing - the analysis for hCG for pregnant women is useful only to a medical institution for reporting. nine0003
Obtaining and interpretation of a blood test for hCG
Analysis accuracy. During pregnancy, the level of hCG in the blood increases by 2 times every 1.4-2.1 days until at least 10 weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, tests taken at different times on the same day will show different numbers.
Physiology of Pregnancy - MSD Handbook
HCG levels between 5 and 25 mIU/mL are considered questionable and should be retested.
Test results are reported with an accuracy of 1 milliunit per milliliter or nanogram per milliliter. Error in the results is possible, but it is usually associated with incorrect analysis or expired reagents. nine0003
In the analyzes of different laboratories, there may be different units of measurement of hCG. The most common are mIU/ml = mU/ml = mIU/ml = mU/ml. All of them are equal to each other:
- mIU / ml is the milliinternational unit per milliliter;
- mU/ml - milliunit per milliliter;
- miU/ml — Million International Unit per milliliter in English spelling;
- mU/ml is a milliunit per milliliter in English spelling.
If IU/l, U/l, IU/ml are found in the analysis, they mean the same thing, but not in milliunits per milliliter, but in units per liter.
To convert one unit to another, a calculator is useful. nine0003
/babytest/
Are you ready to have a baby?
HCG norms by week. The reference values themselves in laboratories may also differ slightly. This may be due to test manufacturers and analysis standards. The main indicator is an increase in the level of hCG up to 11 weeks of pregnancy.
When evaluating the results, it is important to remember that hCG is calculated by weeks of pregnancy from conception - the embryonic period. It is 2-3 weeks less than the obstetric period, counted from the first day of the last menstruation. nine0003
HCG norms by week in different laboratories
| Pregnancy from conception | Hemotest, Helix, mIU/ml | Invitro, honey/ml |
|---|---|---|
| Not pregnant | Less than 5 | Less than 5 |
| 2 weeks | 9.5-750 | 25-300 |
| 3 weeks | 217-7138 | 1500-5000 |
| 4 weeks | 1580-31 795 | 10,000-30,000 |
| 5 weeks | 3697—163 563 | 20,000-100,000 |
| 6 weeks | 32065-149571 | 20,000 - 225,000 up to 11 weeks |
| 7 weeks | 63 803—151 410 | - |
| 8 weeks | 46509-186977 | - |
| 9 weeks | 27,832—210,612 | - |
| 10 weeks | 13,950—62,530 | - |
| 11-12 weeks | 12,039—70,971 | 19,000-135,000 (12 weeks) |
| 13-14 weeks | 9040—56,451 | 18,000-100,000 (13 weeks) 14,000-80,000 (14 weeks) |
| 15 weeks | 8175—55 868 | nine0173 12000-68000|
| 16 weeks | 8099—58,176 | 10,000-58,000 |
| 17-18 weeks | - | 8000-57,000 |
| Male | Less than 5 | Less than 5 |
Non -pregnant
Hemothest, Helix, MME/ml
less than 5
Invitro, Med/ml
less than 5
Pregnancy from the conception - 2 weeks
Hemothest, Helix, MME/ml
9.
5–750
Invitro, MLUST/ML
25-300
3 weeks
Hemothest, Helix, Helix , MME/ml
217-7138
Invitro, Med/ml
1500-5000
4 weeks
Helix, MME/ml
1580–31 795
Invitro, IU/ml
10,000—30,000
5 weeks
Hemotest, Helix, mIU/ml
3697-163 563
Invitro, Med/ml
20 000-100 000
6 weeks
Helix, MME/ml
32 065-149 571
Invitro, Med/ml
20 000-225 000 to 11 weeks
7 weeks
Hemothest, Helix, MME/ml
63 803-151 410
Invitro, Medly /ml
—
8 weeks
Hemotest, Helix, mIU/ml
46509–186 977
Invitro, medical/ml
-
9 weeks
Hemothest, Helix, MME/ml
27 832–210 612
Invitro, MLUSE/ML
-
10 weeks
Hemothest, Helix, MME/ml
13 950-62 530
Invitro, ML
-
11-12 weeks
Hemotest, Helix, mIU/ml
12,039—70,971
Invitro, mU/ml
19 000-135 000 (12 weeks)
13-14 weeks
Hemothest, Helix, MME/ml
9040-56 451
Invitro, Med/ml
18 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 —100,000 (13 weeks)
14,000–80,000 (13 weeks)
15 weeks
Hemotest, Helix, mIU/ml ml
12000-68000
16 weeks
Hemotest, Helix, mIU/ml
8099-58176
Invitro, Med/ml
10 000-58 000
17-18 weeks
Hemothest, Helix, MME/ml
-
Invitro, ML
MLUSE/ML8000-57 000
Male
HEMOTEST, Helix, MME/ml
less than 5
Invitro, Med/ml
less than 5
Enlargia increases in multiple pregnancy several times compared to pregnancy with one child.
For example, when carrying twins in the early stages, the level of hCG can be three times higher than in the case of a singleton pregnancy. If one of the fetuses dies, the hCG level drops. nine0003
Indicators after IVF do not differ from hCG values during normal pregnancy. But the hormone level is checked daily from the fifth to the twenty-first day after the transfer of the embryo into the uterus. This is necessary in order to track the success of in vitro fertilization. If the hCG values are below the norm by more than 20%, the woman is given hCG injections. If the level of the hormone does not increase at all, then the embryo did not take root.
/guide/eko/
How much does IVF cost
An example of an analysis for hCG by week. I will share my personal experience gained in 2009.
Possible discrepancies
The analysis is positive, the pregnancy test is negative. This happens if you first use the strip, and then donate blood in the laboratory.
In this case, it is worth trusting a blood test for hCG to diagnose pregnancy. In urine, the concentration of hCG increases with a lag behind blood, in addition, the test may be of poor quality or have a too high sensitivity threshold. The probability of error in a laboratory test for hCG is minimal. nine0003
How much we spent on pregnancy management in a private clinic
Pregnancy test positive, analysis negative. Most likely, the defective test strip is to blame and there is actually no pregnancy. It may be that the pregnancy came and ended almost immediately. In most cases, women are not even aware of it, taking a few days of delay for a small cycle failure.
Causes of an increase in hCG
Pregnancy is the main reason for an increase in hCG. At the same time, if ovulation, and then pregnancy, occurred earlier than the middle of the cycle, the hCG level will be higher than the reference values. An ultrasound can be done to clarify the date.
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Taking hormonal preparations containing human chorionic gonadotropin as an active substance. Their full list is in the Register of Medicines of Russia. Common trade names: Horagon, Pregnil, Profazi.
Trophoblastic tumors are the result of genetic disorders of pregnancy, the general name for tumors derived from elements of the placenta. They can appear both during pregnancy and after it ends with an abortion or miscarriage. If the level of hCG is elevated, and the woman is no longer pregnant, she needs to be examined by an oncogynecologist. nine0003
Trophoblastic tumors. Clinical Guidelines - Medi-ru
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease - MSD Handbook
Causes of low hCG during pregnancy
Ectopic or ectopic pregnancy. If the embryo develops outside the uterus, the hCG level will rise slowly and lag behind normal reference values. To diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, it is also necessary to do an ultrasound scan.
Ectopic Pregnancy - MSD Manual
Anembryonic. In the absence of an embryo in the uterine cavity, hCG levels continue to rise until spontaneous or medical abortion. Lagging behind the norms of concentration in the first trimester of pregnancy - up to 8 times, but the hormone level does not stop growing. Anembryony is dangerous for a woman, but the diagnosis must be confirmed by several ultrasounds and only after that an abortion should be performed.
Illegal pregnancy. In this case, the hCG level will rise normally while the embryo is developing. If the pregnancy has stopped, the growth of hCG will slow down, and after a miscarriage or abortion it will gradually decrease. nine0003
Child developmental delay. An analysis for hCG in this situation is not a basis for making a diagnosis: it is necessary to do an ultrasound scan to determine the cause of the fetal lag in development from the gestational age.
Threat of miscarriage.
The growth of hCG begins to slow down 5-6 days before a possible miscarriage.
Placental dysfunctions. In this case, hCG is growing more slowly than usual. To detect placental insufficiency, together with hCG, PAPP-A, a plasma pregnancy-associated protein-A, is taken at the first screening. nine0003
Incorrect determination of the gestational age. If ovulation and then pregnancy occurred later than the middle of the cycle, the hCG level will be below the reference values. An ultrasound can be done to clarify the date.
/sonography-rocks/
How much does a pelvic ultrasound cost
Causes of an increase in free beta-hCG
This test for another type of hormone is taken during screening of the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. It indicates possible chromosomal pathologies of the child. nine0003
Violation of the number of chromosomes:
- Down syndrome is a pathology of the 21st pair of chromosomes.
Such children have features of physical and mental development; - Edwards syndrome is a pathology of the 18th pair of chromosomes. They weigh less than normal newborns and have multiple malformations. Only 5-10% of children with Edwards syndrome survive to a year. They all have serious problems with learning and with general development;
- Patau syndrome is a pathology of the 13th pair of chromosomes. Such children are also born with lower weight, multiple malformations and rarely live to be a year old. nine0026
Change in the number of sex chromosomes:
- polysomy — extra X or Y chromosomes. People with polysomy sometimes have intellectual disabilities and health problems;
- Shereshevsky-Turner syndrome is the absence or defect of the X chromosome in girls. They differ from their peers in shorter stature, external features, such as low-set ears, often have problems with the heart, kidneys, and delayed sexual development;
- polyploidy - two or three sets of chromosomes instead of one.
According to some reports, polyploidy is the cause of every tenth miscarriage. nine0026
Remember
- HCG is an important pregnancy hormone that allows you to determine it in the early stages, as well as to make sure that it is proceeding normally.
- The level of hCG in urine rises later than the level of hCG in the blood, so home test strips will show that pregnancy has occurred later than a blood test.
- The level of hCG in the body of a pregnant woman doubles every 1.4-2.1 days until 10-11 weeks of pregnancy.
- Lagging hCG levels from reference values may indicate problems with pregnancy, or may be a sign of an incorrect calculation of the gestational age. nine0026
- An increase in the level of hCG at times may be a sign of multiple pregnancy, chromosomal abnormalities, or an incorrect calculation of the gestational age.
- In some cases, the hCG blood test is used to diagnose serious illnesses in women outside of pregnancy and in men.
Early pregnancy blood test - why and how to donate blood
Pregnancy blood test is a procedure that is necessary to identify existing pathologies. It also allows you to determine the very presence of pregnancy, since it detects the presence in the blood of a woman of a hormone called "chorionic gonadotropin" (hCG). nine0003
In a situation where conception has not occurred, this substance is not produced in the patient's body, since its appearance is associated with the formation of the chorion. This is the tissue that occurs between the endometrium and the zygote after the attachment of a fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus.
Reasons for testing
A blood test can show pregnancy as early as six days after a successful conception. Whereas a standard pregnancy test in some cases can give incorrect results. Therefore, tests during pregnancy are prescribed to determine conditions such as:
- Establishment of the actual fact of conception
- Assessment of hormonal background for failures
- Pathological Pregnancy Tracker:
- Frozen - in this case, at a certain stage, the embryo stops its development
- Ectopic - in this situation, the zygote is not attached to the wall of the uterus, but in the fallopian tube
Also, a blood test shows the presence of infections, other types of dysfunctions of the body and diseases such as:
- Cytomegalovirus
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Herpes
- Chlamydia
- Hepatitis
- Ureaplasmosis
- HIV
- Mycoplasmosis
- Syphilis
- Leptospirosis
- Chlamydia
Any of these diseases is a danger not only to the body of the woman herself, but also to her unborn child.
Therefore, if there are deviations in the results of the blood test, the doctor sends the patient for an additional examination. nine0003
Changes in hCG during pregnancy
After the physical onset of conception, the level of hCG in the female body begins to rise, and every two to three days its concentration almost doubles. It reaches its highest level at 8-11 weeks, and then it begins to gradually decrease.
The first analysis can be taken on the 6th day of the expected delay, but the result will be more accurate on the 11-12th day. Therefore, doctors recommend undergoing a blood test two to three times (every two days later). nine0003
Controlling the level of hCG allows you to track the dynamics of pregnancy, the appearance of pathologies, etc.:
- In ectopic pregnancy, the level of the hormone practically does not increase
- If the development of the embryo has stopped, then the level of hCG drops from the moment of its death
Usually the result of the analysis is compared with a special table.
In the first or second weeks, the concentration of hCG can range from 25 to 700 units, at the peak of the value it can reach 18,000–240,000 units, and at the end of the gestational age - 2,179-60,000 units.
After establishing the fact of conception, the doctor refers the patient to other blood tests:
- General
- Biochemical
- For clotting
- For hepatitis and HIV
- For TORCH infections
- For genetic pathologies
- For Rh factor and blood group (if not previously determined) nine0043 For the content of hormones produced by the thyroid gland
- Antiphospholipid syndrome
- For STDs
Causes of deviation from the norm of the hormone hCG
Normally, after the onset of pregnancy, the level of chorionic gonadotropin should gradually increase. If it decreases, then the doctor may assume the presence of such problems as:
- In the early stages:
- Fetal death
- Probability of spontaneous termination of pregnancy
- Absence of an embryo in the ovum
- Late term:
- Placental abruption
In some cases, a low level of hCG may be associated with an incorrectly calculated gestational age.
Therefore, in order to determine the exact cause of low hormone levels, early pregnancy tests are usually performed, as well as several types of other examinations. nine0003
Causes of an increase in hCG levels
In the results of blood tests, the level of hCG can be seriously higher than normal for the following reasons:
- Presence of toxicosis
- More than one fetus
- Occurrence of hydatidiform mole
- Presence of genetic problems
- Complication due to diabetes mellitus
The level of human chorionic gonadotropin can be increased not only due to pregnancy, but also due to some abnormalities:
- Extremely high hCG levels due to hormonal drugs
- The presence of a malignant neoplasm in various organs (kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, uterus, lungs, etc.)
- Preservation of unstable hormonal levels as a result of an abortion
In rare cases, in the presence of serious hormonal disorders, men can also be found to have elevated levels of hCG.
Preparation for procedure
The following preparations are required before taking hCG tests for pregnant women:
- Fasting for 7-8 hours before the procedure
- Limiting the intake of any liquid a few hours before the examination
Also tell your doctor if you are taking any medications.
Statistics show that the highest concentration of hCG in the blood is observed in the first half of the day, so the doctor usually prescribes such an analysis in the morning. nine0003
If the recommendations are not followed, the study may show an unreliable result, so additional procedures will have to be carried out.
How blood sampling is performed
Blood tests for pregnant women are taken from a vein in the area located on the inside of the arm at the elbow. The procedure is as follows:
- The patient sits on a couch or chair and exposes her left or right arm
- Medic applying a tourniquet above the elbow
- After that, the woman performs several clenching of the palm into a fist
- The doctor lubricates the area of the future puncture with a disinfectant
- He then inserts the needle into the vein and fills the syringe (about 10 ml of blood is needed for the test)
- After that, the tourniquet is removed, and a cotton swab is applied to the puncture area, which the patient must hold with her arm bent at the elbow (this helps to stop the release of fluid from the wound)
After these manipulations, the blood in the test tube is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
