What does HCG serum mean?

Definition. 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.

When is HCG serum positive?

A positive beta hCG levels means that you are pregnant. The hCG level depends on how far along a woman is in her pregnancy. A positive beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level usually means that you are pregnant. Pregnancy tests detect the hCG hormone in the blood and urine.

What is a positive HCG blood level?

An hCG level of less than 5 mIU/mL is considered negative for pregnancy, and anything above 25 mIU/mL is considered positive for pregnancy. An hCG level between 6 and 24 mIU/mL is considered a grey area, and you’ll likely need to be retested to see if your levels rise to confirm a pregnancy.

What does elevated serum HCG mean?

If you are pregnant, very high levels of hCG can mean a multiple pregnancy (such as twins or triplets). It can also mean a molar pregnancy or Down syndrome. You may also be further along in an early pregnancy than you thought, based on your last menstrual period.

Why do I have hCG in my blood?

HCG to detect pregnancy After the fertilized egg implants, the growing placenta starts releasing hCG into your blood. Some hCG also gets passed in your urine. HCG can be found in the blood before the first missed menstrual period. This can be as early as 6 days after the egg implants.

What is hCG blood test used for?

A pregnancy test measures a hormone in the body called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is produced during pregnancy and found in the blood and urine. Testing for hCG can be used as soon as 10 days after conception to help determine if a person is pregnant.

Can hCG blood test tell how far along you are?

Quantitative blood test – measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood and can give you an estimate of how far along the pregnancy has progressed. Qualitative blood test – only checks for the presence of hCG. Since this test doesn’t measure the exact levels of hCG, it can’t offer an estimate of gestation.

What is a normal hCG level for a nonpregnant woman?

Normal hCG levels in nonpregnant women are less than 10.0 mIU/mL. If your hCG levels are outside of the normal range, it could mean a variety of things.

Are High hCG levels bad?

As with low levels, high levels of hCG do not necessarily indicate a problem with a pregnancy. Some women simply have higher levels. If a woman has high hCG levels, it could point to twins or triplets, though only a scan can confirm this. Sometimes, above-average levels of hCG indicate a higher chance of Down syndrome.

What can affect hCG levels?

Medications used for fertility treatments that contain hCG may also interfere with your hCG levels. All other types of medication, e.g. contraception, pain relievers, antibiotics, and hormone medication shouldn’t affect an hCG test.

Do you have HCG in blood if not pregnant?

Many women have very low levels of HCG in their blood and urine when they are not pregnant. HCG tests detect elevated levels. Tests may not detect pregnancy until HCG has risen to a certain level. This requirement means tests that detect lower levels of HCG may diagnose pregnancy earlier.

Can HCG blood test tell how far along you are?

How do you calculate hCG?

To calculate your hCG levels, you will have to enter the data from two beta hCG samples. The hcg levels calculator will check the doubling time between the two levels. You have to first enter the value of your first hCG test levels. Then enter value of the second hCG test levels. Mention the time gap between the two hCG tests.

Is serum hCG qualitative or quantitative?

HCG in Blood Serum — Qualitative. Definition. A qualitative HCG blood test checks to see if there is a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin in your blood. HCG is a hormone normally produced during pregnancy. See also: HCG urine test. Quantitative pregnancy test (reveals specific level of HCG in your blood)

What is normal for quantitative HCG?

According to the American Pregnancy Association, normal quantitative hCG test levels can range between five and 426 mIU/mL at the time you miss your period, which is about 14 days after ovulation.

What does elevated hCG mean?

In men and in non-pregnant women, the hCG level is normally undetectable. When the test is used as a tumor marker, an elevated hCG level may mean that an individual has a germ cell tumor or gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). A high level of hCG occurs in both GTD and normal pregnancy.