hCG, Total, Quantitative Most Popular

The hCG, Total, Quantitative test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.

Brief Description: The hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) Total Quantitative test is a blood test that measures the level of hCG hormone in the bloodstream. It provides a quantitative measurement of hCG, allowing for a precise evaluation of the hormone concentration. hCG is produced during pregnancy, primarily by the developing placenta, and its levels increase significantly in the early stages of pregnancy.

This test is quantitative and reports results as a numerical value. If you need a qualitative result that reports as positive/negative, order hCG, Total, Qualitative #8435.

Also Known As: Beta hCG Test, Chorionic Gonadotropin Test, hCG Total Quantitative Test, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Hcg), Quantitative Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Total, Quantitative, Pregnancy Test, hCG Blood Test

Collection Method: Blood draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is an hCG Total Quantitative test ordered?

An hCG Total Quantitative test may be ordered in the following situations:

1. Pregnancy Confirmation: The test is commonly used to confirm pregnancy. It can detect hCG in the blood as early as 8 to 10 days after conception, even before the missed period. This makes it useful for early pregnancy detection, especially when the results of a home pregnancy test are inconclusive or when early pregnancy complications are suspected.

2. Monitoring Pregnancy Progress: The hCG Total Quantitative test is performed serially during pregnancy to monitor the progression of hCG levels. It can help assess the viability of the pregnancy, confirm appropriate fetal development, and detect any potential pregnancy complications, such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

3. Evaluation of Trophoblastic Tumors: In cases of suspected trophoblastic tumors, such as gestational trophoblastic disease or choriocarcinoma, the hCG Total Quantitative test is ordered to monitor hCG levels. These tumors can produce abnormally high levels of hCG, and the test helps in diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and assessing the effectiveness of therapy.

What does an hCG Total Quantitative blood test check for?

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced by a pregnant woman's placenta. The level of hCG in the blood rises early in pregnancy and is excreted in the urine. A pregnancy test detects human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood or urine and confirms or disproves pregnancy.

During the first few weeks of pregnancy, hCG is crucial for sustaining the corpus luteum's function. During the first trimester of a typical pregnancy, hCG production rises steadily, culminating around the 10th week after the last menstrual cycle. During the duration of the pregnancy, levels gradually decrease. Within a few weeks of birth, hCG is no longer detectable.

The level of hCG in the blood increases at a slower rate when a pregnancy develops outside of the uterus. When an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, monitoring the level of hCG in the blood over time may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis.

Similarly, when a developing baby has a chromosomal problem such as Down syndrome, the hCG blood level may be abnormal. As part of the usual screening for fetal anomalies, an hCG test is utilized in conjunction with a few additional assays.

Lab tests often ordered with an hCG Total Quantitative test:

When an hCG Total Quantitative test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of pregnancy or related health issues. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

1. Progesterone Test:

   • Purpose: Progesterone is a hormone crucial for maintaining pregnancy.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To assess the health of the pregnancy, as low progesterone levels can be a sign of a non-viable pregnancy or an impending miscarriage.

2. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

   • Purpose: Provides a broad picture of overall blood health.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To assess the general health of the pregnant individual, check for anemia, and identify any signs of infection.

3. Blood Type and Rh Factor:

   • Purpose: To determine the blood type and Rh status.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To identify potential Rh incompatibility between the pregnant individual and the fetus, which can lead to complications in the pregnancy.

4. Urinalysis:

   • Purpose: To check for signs of infection, kidney disease, or diabetes.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Urinalysis is a standard part of prenatal care to monitor for conditions like urinary tract infections or gestational diabetes.

5. AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) Screening:

   • Purpose: A marker for certain fetal abnormalities.
   • Why Is It Ordered: As part of prenatal screening for birth defects such as neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.

6. STD Screening:

   • Purpose: To test for sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and others.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To ensure the health of the pregnant individual and the fetus, as STDs can have significant health implications during pregnancy.

These tests, when ordered alongside an hCG Total Quantitative test, provide a comprehensive view of the health and progress of the pregnancy and can assist in identifying any concerns or complications early on. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s health history, pregnancy progression, and any symptoms or concerns they may have.

Conditions where an hCG Total Quantitative test is recommended:

An hCG Total Quantitative test may be required in the following conditions or diseases:

1. Pregnancy Confirmation: The test is commonly used to confirm pregnancy and determine its early viability.

2. Ectopic Pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube. Monitoring hCG levels helps diagnose ectopic pregnancy, as the hormone levels may rise more slowly or plateau compared to a normal intrauterine pregnancy.

3. Miscarriage: In cases of suspected miscarriage, a series of hCG Total Quantitative tests can help monitor the decline in hCG levels, indicating a non-viable pregnancy.

4. Trophoblastic Tumors: Trophoblastic tumors, including gestational trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma, can produce abnormally high levels of hCG. The hCG Total Quantitative test is used to monitor hCG levels in these conditions to aid in diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and assessing the effectiveness of therapy.

How does my health care provider use an hCG Total Quantitative test?

Health care providers use the results of an hCG Total Quantitative test in the following ways:

1. Confirmation of Pregnancy: A positive hCG Total Quantitative test confirms the presence of pregnancy. The test helps distinguish between a viable pregnancy and other causes of elevated hCG levels.

2. Assessment of Pregnancy Viability: Serial measurements of hCG levels through multiple hCG Total Quantitative tests provide valuable information about the viability of the pregnancy. A healthy pregnancy is expected to show a steady increase in hCG levels during the early weeks.

3. Monitoring Early Pregnancy Complications: In cases of suspected ectopic pregnancy or threatened miscarriage, serial hCG Total Quantitative tests can help monitor the trends of hCG levels. A slower-than-expected rise or plateauing of hCG levels may indicate potential complications.

4. Evaluation of Trophoblastic Tumors: For patients with trophoblastic tumors, such as gestational trophoblastic disease or choriocarcinoma, the hCG Total Quantitative test is used to monitor hCG levels. A decrease in hCG levels indicates a positive response to treatment, while persistent or rising levels may suggest the need for further intervention.

5. Follow-up after Pregnancy Loss: After a miscarriage, an hCG Total Quantitative test is performed to ensure that hCG levels return to normal. A significant decline in hCG levels indicates the successful completion of the miscarriage process.

It is important to note that the interpretation of hCG Total Quantitative test results should be done by qualified health care providers. They consider the individual's medical history, symptoms, and other clinical findings to make appropriate diagnoses and treatment decisions.

What do my hCG test results mean?

A negative hCG result indicates that a woman is unlikely to be pregnant. However, tests conducted too early in a pregnancy, before a sufficient hCG level has been reached, may result in false-negative results. If there is a strong likelihood of pregnancy, the test may be repeated a few days later.

A positive hCG test indicates that a lady is pregnant.

The level of hcG in a woman's blood rises at a slower rate than normal in an ectopic pregnancy. For the first four weeks of a typical pregnancy, hCG levels double about every two days, then slow to every 3 1/2 and half days by six weeks. Those who had failed pregnancies often have a lengthier doubling time early on, and their hCG concentrations may even fall during the doubling stage. Following a miscarriage, hCG levels will drop rapidly. If hCG levels do not drop to undetectable levels, it could mean that there is still hCG-producing tissue that needs to be removed.

Most Common Questions About the hCG Total Quantitative test:

Understanding the hCG Total Quantitative Test

What is the hCG Total Quantitative test?

The hCG Total Quantitative test, also known as a beta hCG test, measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in the blood. hCG is produced during pregnancy by the cells that form the placenta.

Why is the hCG Total Quantitative test performed?

The test is primarily used to confirm pregnancy, estimate the age of the fetus, diagnose an abnormal pregnancy such as an ectopic pregnancy, monitor the health of the pregnancy, and in certain cases, it is used to screen for pregnancy before certain medical treatments.

Interpreting hCG Total Quantitative Test Results

How are hCG Total Quantitative test results used to estimate gestational age?

Typically, hCG levels double every 2-3 days in early pregnancy and then decline in the later stages. By quantifying the hCG levels, doctors can estimate the gestational age. However, wide variations in hCG levels exist among individuals, so this method is not precise.

hCG Total Quantitative Test and Pregnancy

Can the hCG Total Quantitative test be used to confirm a twin or multiple pregnancies?

Higher-than-normal hCG levels might suggest twin or multiple pregnancies, but this is not a definitive confirmation. Ultrasound is the definitive method to confirm a twin or multiple pregnancies.

Can the hCG Total Quantitative test be used to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy?

Yes, if hCG levels rise more slowly than expected or start to decrease, it might suggest an ectopic pregnancy. However, other tests, such as ultrasound, are typically used to confirm an ectopic pregnancy.

Can the hCG Total Quantitative test be used to monitor the health of a pregnancy?

Yes, it can be used to monitor the progression of a pregnancy. However, a single hCG reading is less useful than serial measurements. Declining or plateauing hCG levels might indicate a problem with the pregnancy, such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

hCG Total Quantitative Test and Other Conditions

What conditions other than pregnancy can cause elevated hCG levels?

Certain types of cancer, like choriocarcinoma and some cancers of the testes, ovaries, bladder, pancreas, stomach, and lungs, can cause elevated hCG levels. Moreover, conditions like cirrhosis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also raise hCG levels.

Can men have detectable levels of hCG?

Yes, men can have detectable levels of hCG in cases of testicular cancer. High hCG levels in men can also be associated with conditions like hypogonadism and marijuana use.

How does the hCG Total Quantitative test relate to the diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease?

Gestational trophoblastic disease, including molar pregnancy and choriocarcinoma, can cause significantly high hCG levels. The hCG Total Quantitative test can help in the diagnosis and monitoring of these conditions.

hCG Total Quantitative Test and Other Tests

How does the hCG Total Quantitative test compare with a home pregnancy test?

Home pregnancy tests measure the presence of hCG, not the quantity. The hCG Total Quantitative test provides more specific information, including the actual level of hCG, which can be useful for monitoring pregnancy progression or diagnosing pregnancy complications.

How does the hCG Total Quantitative test relate to an ultrasound in early pregnancy?

The hCG Total Quantitative test can detect pregnancy earlier than an ultrasound. However, an ultrasound can provide more detailed information about the pregnancy, such as the location of the pregnancy and fetal heartbeat, which cannot be determined by hCG levels.

Are there other tests that should be done alongside the hCG Total Quantitative test?

The hCG Total Quantitative test is often performed alongside progesterone measurements, particularly when an ectopic pregnancy is suspected. Progesterone levels can provide additional information about the health of a pregnancy.

How does the hCG Total Quantitative test compare to the hCG qualitative test?

The hCG qualitative test simply checks whether hCG is present or not, thus confirming or ruling out pregnancy. The hCG Total Quantitative test measures the exact levels of hCG in the blood, providing more information about the progression of the pregnancy.

Future of hCG Total Quantitative Testing

How might the use of the hCG Total Quantitative test evolve with advancements in early pregnancy detection?

As the sensitivity of home pregnancy tests improves, the hCG Total Quantitative test might become more focused on its roles in estimating gestational age and diagnosing pregnancy complications.

How might changes in the understanding of normal hCG ranges affect the use of the hCG Total Quantitative test?

Improved understanding of the wide normal range for hCG levels might prevent unnecessary worry about hCG levels that seem "low" or "high" based on current averages but are normal for that individual.

Could the hCG Total Quantitative test be used to predict pregnancy outcomes?

While there is ongoing research in this area, currently, hCG levels alone are not a reliable predictor of pregnancy outcomes. The progression of hCG levels might be more informative.

How might advances in personalized medicine affect the use of the hCG Total Quantitative test?

As our understanding of individual variations in hCG levels improves, the hCG Total Quantitative test might become more personalized, taking into account each individual's "normal" hCG level range.

Could the hCG Total Quantitative test ever be used as a universal screening tool for pregnancy?

It is not likely that the hCG Total Quantitative test would become a universal screening tool due to cost and practicality. Home pregnancy tests are a more practical first step for most individuals.

How might changes in pregnancy monitoring affect the use of the hCG Total Quantitative test?

As non-invasive prenatal tests improve, they might supplement or partially replace the role of the hCG Total Quantitative test in monitoring pregnancy health.

How might the hCG Total Quantitative test be used in the management of conditions that cause elevated hCG levels?

In conditions like gestational trophoblastic disease and certain cancers, the hCG Total Quantitative test is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

Are there any potential future uses of the hCG Total Quantitative test that researchers are currently investigating?

Researchers are always investigating new uses for existing tests. Future uses of the hCG Total Quantitative test might include more precise prediction of pregnancy outcomes and improved cancer diagnosis and monitoring.

Could the hCG Total Quantitative test be used to evaluate the effectiveness of fertility treatments?

Yes, the hCG Total Quantitative test is often used to confirm pregnancy after fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). By monitoring hCG levels, doctors can assess the success of these treatments.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.