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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.

Hormonal studies during pregnancy / Nyanya.ru

02/27/2012

Nona Hovsepyan, Consultant Physician, Independent Laboratory INVITRO

Why is it necessary to control the level of hormones?

Hormones are amazing biologically active substances that affect not only the state of health, but also the inner world of a person. Nature provides that in the female body immediately after conception, special pregnancy hormones are activated, which not only help the baby to fully develop, but also set up the expectant mother for the desired motherhood, teach them to love the baby growing inside and get used to taking care of him.

During the period of expectation of a baby, serious changes occur in the whole body of a woman, especially her hormonal levels. Changes occur throughout the endocrine system. The body of the future mother, completely rebuilding, creates the conditions for the bearing and normal development of the baby, and from the first days of pregnancy begins to prepare for childbirth.

All hormonal indicators of the future mother's body play a huge role - namely, they are the most important indicators of fetal development. Therefore, the level of hormones is necessarily monitored by the attending physician with the help of special examinations - prenatal screenings, which a woman needs to undergo at least 2 times: in the first trimester (11-12 weeks) and in the second trimester (16-19weeks). Let's figure out what indicators are included in this mandatory examination, what the increase or decrease in the level of a particular hormone indicates, and what their role is.

Hormones that the body of the unborn baby "produces"

HCG. This is human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that is actively produced by the cells of the chorion (fetal membrane) immediately after it attaches to the wall of the uterus. The "production" of this hormone is vital for the preservation and maintenance of pregnancy! It is hCG that controls the production of the main pregnancy hormones - estrogen and progesterone. With a serious lack of hCG, the fertilized egg is detached from the uterus, and menstruation occurs again - in other words, a spontaneous miscarriage occurs. Normally, the concentration of hCG in the blood of the expectant mother is constantly growing, reaching a maximum by the 10-11th week of pregnancy, then the concentration of hCG gradually decreases to remain unchanged until the very birth.

Testing for hCG during pregnancy plays a huge role.

Firstly, an analysis of the level of hCG in the blood can confirm that you will become a mother already 5-6 days after conception. This is much earlier and, most importantly, much more reliable than using conventional rapid tests.

Secondly, the test is needed to determine the exact gestational age. Very often, the expectant mother cannot give the exact date of conception, or she calls it, but incorrectly. At the same time, certain indicators of growth and development correspond to each period, deviations from the norm may indicate the occurrence of complications.

Thirdly, the level of hCG in the blood can quite accurately “tell” whether your baby is developing correctly.

An unplanned increase in the level of hCG usually occurs with multiple pregnancy, preeclampsia, taking synthetic gestagens, diabetes in the expectant mother, and may also indicate some hereditary diseases in the baby (for example, Down's syndrome) and multiple malformations. An abnormally low level of hCG can be a sign of an ectopic and non-developing pregnancy, fetal growth retardation, the threat of spontaneous abortion, and chronic placental insufficiency.

However, do not rush to sound the alarm: increased or decreased values ​​may also indicate that the gestational age was initially set incorrectly. Your doctor will help you interpret the test results correctly.

Placental lactogen and free estriol. Controlling the level of these hormones is extremely important for assessing the risk of developing hereditary chromosomal abnormalities in an unborn baby (these are Down, Edwards, Turner, Patau syndromes, neural tube defects, etc.)

Free estriol is "produced" by the placenta. This hormone improves blood flow through the vessels of the uterus, and also contributes to the development of the ducts of the mammary glands, preparing the body of the expectant mother to feed the baby. The level of free estriol changes in any pathological conditions:

• with fetoplacental insufficiency, when the normal blood flow and nutrition in the placenta changes;
• for fetal growth retardation;
• for suspected post-term pregnancy.

Placental lactogen (PL) is also “produced” by the placenta and can be detected in the blood of the expectant mother as early as 5-6 weeks of pregnancy. It reaches its maximum value by 37-38 weeks, then the hormone level gradually decreases. However, the level of PL must be monitored throughout the entire period of pregnancy - first of all, this is necessary to assess the condition of the placenta and timely diagnosis of placental insufficiency. A sharp decrease in the level of PL by more than 2 times (compared to the average level in accordance with the gestational age) may indicate a delay in fetal development. In this case, it is necessary to take emergency measures to prevent a decrease in the level of PL by 80 percent or more - this can lead to the death of the baby.

Pregnancy hormones

Estradiol and progesterone. Hormonal studies necessarily include tests for the level of progesterone and estradiol. It is they who take care of your unborn baby, maintaining the normal course of pregnancy, which is why they are called the main hormones of gestation (pregnancy).

Estradiol is produced by the ovaries and during pregnancy also by the placenta. During pregnancy, the level of the hormone rises sharply, and it is not surprising - estradiol is "responsible" for the normal course of pregnancy. In the early stages, the concentration of this hormone evaluates the functioning of the placenta. A decrease in the level of estradiol indicates a serious threat of abortion.

By the way, it is under the influence of this hormone that a woman feels a natural desire to “build a nest”, arrange everything and prepare for the birth of a baby. Before childbirth, the concentration of the hormone in the body of the expectant mother reaches its “peak”, which is also due to natural causes - estradiol, acting as the strongest natural pain reliever, helps to make the process of giving birth to a baby less painful.

Progesterone is also the main “pregnancy hormone”, the main task of which is to maintain pregnancy and create the necessary conditions for the development of the fetus. A normal level of progesterone is necessary for conception to occur. Together with estrogens, the hormone promotes the attachment of a fertilized egg to the endometrium and carefully reduces the increased tone of the uterus, preventing miscarriage. During the bearing of the baby, progesterone stimulates the growth and maturation of the mammary glands, “preparing” the body of the expectant mother for breastfeeding, and psychologically, it calms her down and morally supports her. Unfortunately, this hormone also has "side" effects that are familiar to every pregnant woman - this is increased drowsiness, nausea, frequent urination, soreness and swelling of the breast.

With a lack of progesterone, pregnancy can occur with serious complications. Hormone deficiency must be urgently replenished, otherwise the risk of non-developing pregnancy and miscarriage increases.

Important! Testing for estradiol and progesterone levels is carried out both during pregnancy and in preparation for the birth of a child, this is especially necessary in cases where a woman has already had a miscarriage.

Thyroid hormones

The normal functioning of the thyroid gland of the expectant mother plays an important role in the development of the baby. The corresponding hormones (TSH, T3 and T4) can also “tell” about the presence of hypo- or hyperfunction of the gland.

Maternity hormones

Pituitary hormones (an endocrine gland located in the hypothalamic part of the brain) also play an indispensable role while waiting for a baby. During childbirth, the pituitary gland releases the hormone oxytacin into the blood, which stimulates uterine contractions. And after childbirth, an active synthesis of the hormone prolactin begins, which is “responsible” for lactation. With a lack of prolactin, a woman simply would not be able to fully feed her baby with breast milk.

In addition, prolactin and oxytacin are also called "maternity hormones", because thanks to them, the mother's heart is filled with tenderness, she feels the pleasure of feeding and communicating with the child, which binds her to the baby even more. These hormones, in fact, provide a magical “transformation” of a woman into a mother - under their influence, priorities change dramatically, study, work, career and personal success fade into the background, and the main place in a woman’s heart is occupied by a small native creature. It is believed that the more a woman has these same "maternity hormones", the stronger her desire to constantly be with the baby, feel his warmth, take care of him. However, one should not expect that this “transformation” will happen as if by magic: normally, the level of hormones in a woman’s body changes gradually, so that her psyche has time to prepare for the changes without stress. The main thing during pregnancy is to make every effort to endure a strong and healthy baby.

Blood test for hormones, norm and interpretation of the results of indicators

Hormones are biologically active substances that are produced by the endocrine system. They are responsible for the work of most vital organs, regulate growth and metabolism. Although their content in the circulatory system is insignificant compared to other components, they play one of the key roles in the body. Different hormones perform different functions, they can both complement each other and cause a negative effect. In order for our body to function normally, its hormonal background must be in balance. Deviations in one direction or another immediately lead to disorders, and sometimes even to serious pathologies. Hormonal norms are not a constant unit, their percentage depends on gender, age and a number of other factors.

General definition

A blood test for hormones to determine if the hormonal balance is not disturbed. Today, there is an increase in endocrine diseases caused by dysfunction of the endocrine glands. To prevent negative consequences by starting therapy in a timely manner, it is recommended to regularly check your hormonal levels. This can be done in our multidisciplinary medical center "VIMPEL-MEDCENTER". Highly qualified specialists, who have the best diagnostic equipment at their disposal, will help to identify problems in the body at the earliest stages.

When is a hormone test ordered?

Hormones are involved in one way or another in almost all vital processes of the human body. Starting from birth, they regulate a person's health, his psycho-emotional state and life in general. Due to these biologically active substances, a person adapts to environmental changes, enters into relationships, has children, in other words, exists normally. Hormonal imbalance can have the most serious consequences.

A blood test for hormones is not ordered just like that. That is, during a scheduled examination, no one will do a study of the endocrine system. Such a diagnosis, as a rule, is carried out exclusively in the direction of a doctor who has a suspicion of thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus or other endocrine disease. In addition, such an analysis is often prescribed for girls and women suffering from constant menstrual irregularities, infertility, acne, recurrent miscarriages and obesity.

For pregnant women, this is one of the mandatory tests, since the lack of one or another hormone can lead to irreversible consequences.

How to donate blood?

Blood is taken from a vein for analysis. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor identifies a group of hormones that need to be checked. It is advisable to completely limit physical and psycho-emotional stress for 12 hours, do not drink alcohol, medications and food containing iodine.

Special attention should be paid to the preparation for the delivery of blood samples for the fair sex - it must be carried out at a certain period of the menstrual cycle, which is indicated by the doctor. The procedure itself, as a rule, is prescribed in the morning, on an empty stomach.

General indicators: decoding

A complete picture of the state of the body and hormonal levels can be obtained by passing one of the following types of tests:

Thyroid hormones:

• Free T4 is one of the most important biologically active substances of the thyroid gland, which is responsible for transporting protein compounds and maintaining their optimal balance in the body. The normal plasma content for a healthy person is from 10 to 22 mmol / l. An overabundance speaks of somatic or mental ailments, lipemia. Deficiency - about pregnancy, poor nutrition, heavy physical exertion, the use of a number of drugs.
• TSH - directly affects the thyroid gland, is responsible for the circulation of its components. The norm for an absolutely healthy person is from 0.4 to 4 honey / liter. Excess indicates adrenal insufficiency, complex non-thyroid pathology, etc. Low level - about thyrotoxicosis, cortisol imbalance, etc.
• T3 general - needed to stabilize the peripheral endocrine glands. Norm - 1.3 - 2.7 nmol / l. An excess of the hormone indicates pregnancy, taking drugs or estrogens. The disadvantage is about the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, acromegaly, hemolysis, starvation and other disorders.
• Total T4 is one of the main bioactive substances of the thyroid gland. The correct indicators are from 59 to 160 nmol / l. Going beyond these figures upwards can indicate obesity, the presence of hepatitis, pregnancy, etc. , to a smaller one - about starvation, too much physical exertion, diseases of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
• T3 free - stimulates oxygen circulation in soft tissues. The norm is in the range - from 2.6 to 5.6 pmol per liter. Exceeding the indicators indicates hyperthyroidism, toxicosis, shortage - about the syndrome of peripheral vascular resistance, taking iodine-containing drugs.
• Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (AT-TG) help detect some autoimmune diseases. The normal indicator is in the range from 0 to 4.11 U / ml.
• TSH is one of the main functional elements of the thyroid gland. The norm for a healthy person lies in the range from 258 to 574 nmol / liter. A higher reading may indicate pregnancy, hepatitis, or hypoproteinemia.

Sex hormones:

• Estradiol is an active component in the blood of women, which is responsible for the maturation of germ cells and affects the proper development of the fetus during pregnancy. The norm varies depending on the life cycle: from 200 to 286 pm / l (for women in the follicular phase), from 52 to 136 pm / l (for women during menopause) and from 441 to 576 (girls in the luteal phase). An excess indicates possible tumors on the ovaries, a lack indicates a failure in the release of gonadotropic hormones.
• Testosterone - directly affects the growth of muscle mass, strengthening of bones, the formation of sexual characteristics. The indicators range from 2 to 10 ng / ml in men and from 0.2 to 1 in women.
• Progesterone - appears in the body after the formation of the egg. The pregnancy hormone, as it is also called, is responsible for the stability of the development of the fetus. The norm is from 22 to 30 nm / l in the luteal phase, 1 - 2.3 nm / l in the follicular phase, 1 - 1.8 during menopause. If the value is above the norm, then this may indicate pathological processes in the adrenal cortex, if less - about ovarian sclerosis.

Pituitary hormones:

• ACTH - is responsible for the release of bioactive substances in the adrenal cortex. Correct indicators - up to 50 pg / ml. If more - hyperplasia is possible, less - adrenal insufficiency, tumor.
• Prolactin - is responsible for the stimulation of lactation in women, the work of the prostate in the representatives of the stronger half. For the latter, the norm is from 100 to 266 mcg / l, for women of childbearing age from 129 to 539 mcg / l, for women in menopause - from 106 to 289mcg/l.
• STH - is responsible for the development of bone and muscle mass and other important organs. The norm is up to 10 ng / ml. Elevated values ​​indicate acromegaly or gigantism, lower ones indicate pituitary dwarfism.
• LH - ensures the full maturation of the egg in women and sperm in men. The norm for guys is from 2.12 to 4 mU / ml, for girls, depending on the menstrual cycle - from 1.55 to 53 mU / ml. Deviation in one direction or another is a sign of various dysfunctions of the sex glands.

Adrenal hormones:

• Adrenaline and norepinephrine - responsible for the rhythm of the heart muscle, pressure, blood vessels, motility, form the level of glucose. Correct indicators are from 1.9 to 2.45 nm / l and from 0.6 to 3.22, respectively. An excess indicates jaundice, renal pathologies, a deficiency indicates myasthenia gravis or damage to the hypothalamus.
• Cortisol - responsible for susceptibility to allergic reactions, systematizes the production of antibodies. Norm - from 229up to 749 nm/l. If the indicators are less, there is a possibility of Addison's disease or adrenal gland disease, an excess of the norm indicates an adenoma or cancer.
• Aldosterone is an important hormone responsible for the balance of water and salt. The correct value ranges from 30 to 172 pg/ml. The disadvantage is a sign of thrombosis, poor nutrition, arterial embolism. An excess may indicate a neoplasm in the adrenal glands or hyperplasia.

Resume

Do not neglect the hormone tests recommended by your doctor. Such laboratory diagnostics makes it possible to identify serious diseases even at the stage of their primary formation, thereby increasing the chances of a quick recovery.

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