Description
The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) blood test measures the level of hCG hormone present in a sample of your blood.
hCG is produced during pregnancy. Urine tests can be affected by what time of day that you take the test and dehydration. A blood test can provide more conclusive results. 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.
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,diagnose a potential miscarriage or screen for Down syndrome.The quantitative test measures the level of hCG hormone in a blood sample.hCG is a glycoprotein that triggers the corpus luteum and encourages the production of progesterone, which causes the enrichment and thickening of the uterine wall to nurture the growing fetus. After implantation, hCG levels develop and rapidly increase, doubling every 48 to 72 hours. These levels continue to rise within the first 8-11 weeks of pregnancy before they peak, decline, and level off for the remainder of the pregnancy. hCG can be detected directly through a blood sample.If your qualitative test is positive, a quantitative test can help determine how far along you are. hCG levels vary based on a woman`s gestation period and age.Qualitative test will indicate if hCG is or is not detected.
