Description
The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) blood test measures the level of hCG hormone present in a sample of your blood. hCG may reach detectable limits within 7-10 days of conception. hCG is produced by the placenta and reaches a peak between the 7th and 10th week of gestation. hCG is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta and secreted during normal pregnancy and with pathologic conditions such as hydatidiform mole, choriocarcinoma and testicular neoplasm. Order hCG, Total, Qualitative, Urine, if hCG serum result is inconsistent with clinical presentation.
The hCG blood test is performed to confirm pregnancy, determine the approximate age of the fetus , diagnose an abnormal pregnancy, such as an ectopic pregnancy or diagnose a potential miscarriage screen for Down syndrome. The hCG blood test is sometimes used to screen for pregnancy before you undergo certain medical treatments that could potentially harm a developing baby. Examples of these treatments include X-rays. If an hCG test concludes that someone is pregnant, healthcare professionals can ensure that they’re protected and that the fetus isn’t harmed by those medical treatments.
