Quantitative hCG is a simple non-invasive test that measures the amount of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone, which is produced about eight or ten days after conception by the developing embryo and later the placenta, is found in the maternal blood and urine.
Unlike a pregnancy test, which simply indicates whether human chorionic gonadotropinHuman chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone released into the maternal bloodstream by the developing placenta from about six days after the last period was due (about 22 days after the last menstrual period). Its presence can be detected in the urine by a home pregancy test and a positive result indicates pregnancy. Gonadotropins are used to treat infertility, hypogonadism and nonobstructive cryptorchidism. Often abbreviated to HCG.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. is present, a quantitative hCG test assigns a number to indicate the degree of pregnancy. Doctors use the quantitative hCG test if there is a concern about miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
The hormoneA complex chemical substance created in a part or organ of the body. When released it initiates or regulates activity in an organ or group of cells in another part of the body.
Hormones secreted by endocrine glands are transported through the bloodstream to their target organ. The amount of hormone secreted is regulated either by other hormones, by neurotransmitters, or simply when an excess of the organ's activity indicates a need to reduce the amount of the hormone produced.
Other hormones are produced locally by the organs themselves and are common in the digestive tract.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., human chorionic gonadotropinHuman chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone released into the maternal bloodstream by the developing placenta from about six days after the last period was due (about 22 days after the last menstrual period). Its presence can be detected in the urine by a home pregancy test and a positive result indicates pregnancy. Gonadotropins are used to treat infertility, hypogonadism and nonobstructive cryptorchidism. Often abbreviated to HCG.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., is found in the mother's blood and urine. Although most home pregnancy tests look for the hormone in urine, the blood contains a higher concentration and can be detected earlier and more accurately.
When a quantitative hCG test is performed, two samples are usually analyzed a few days apart. During the early stages of pregnancy levels of the hormone increase rapidly and consistently. The change in the amount of hCG detected in the sample will indicate if the pregnancy is progressing normally. If a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is suspected, your healthcare provider will probably also perform an ultrasound.
The quantitative hCG test is rarely used to confirm a pregnancy. The test is usually performed if your doctor suspects that the pregnancy is not progressing normally, and wants to rule out miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
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There are few, if any, risks associated with this test.
The quantitative hCG test is performed during the first trimester.
As the embryo develops it produces hCG, which increases rapidly during the first trimester, doubling every 36 - 48 hours. Doctors measure the increase in hCG to confirm that the pregnancy is progressing normally. If the levels of hCG level off or slowly decline, before the end of the first trimester, an ectopic pregnancy may be suspected. A rapid decrease in the level of hCG may indicate a miscarriage. A dramatic increase in the level of hCG may indicate that you are carrying multiple fetuses.
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