Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
Alternative names Return to top
Beta-HCG - qualitative serum; Human chorionic gonadotrophin - qualitative serum; Pregnancy test - blood; Qualitative serum beta-HCG; Serum HCGDefinition Return to top
This is a blood test to detect beta-HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone normally produced during pregnancy.How the test is performed Return to top
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band cuff is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
How to prepare for the test Return to top
No special preparation is usually necessary.How the test will feel Return to top
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.Why the test is performed Return to top
Most often, this test is performed to confirm or rule out pregnancy. Serum HCG may also be increased in women with certain types of ovarian tumors or men with testicular tumors.
HCG, a hormone produced during pregnancy, is detectable in the blood or urine 1 to 2 days after implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus (10 days after ovulation). It increases rapidly in the first trimester, reaching a peak 60 to 80 days after fertilization; then drops off quickly to 10-30% of the peak value for the rest of the pregnancy.
HCG maintains progesterone production by the corpus luteum in the early part of pregnancy. By the time HCG drops at the beginning of the second trimester, the placenta can make sufficient progesterone to maintain the endometrium. HCG also stimulates the development of fetal gonads and synthesis of androgens (male hormones) by the fetal testes.
Normal Values Return to top
What abnormal results mean Return to top
Abnormal results may indicate: Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:What the risks are Return to top
Special considerations Return to top
False positive tests may occur when certain hormones are increased, such as after menopause or when taking hormone supplements. A false positive result may also result from "phantom HCG" (when there is an abnormal interaction between the test and the patient's blood sample). This can be confirmed by a urine HCG test, which will be negative. Phantom HCG is suspected when the blood HCG test continues to be positive despite there being no pregnancy or genital tract tumor.
A pregnancy test is considered to be about 98% accurate. When the test is negative but pregnancy is still suspected, the test should be repeated in 1 week.
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |