Clinical significance
In the absence of pathology, hCG is detected only in the blood and urine of pregnant women. The concentration of hCG exponentially increases during the first trimester of pregnancy, reaching a peak at 9 weeks of pregnancy. The hormone level then declines between 10 and 16 weeks of pregnancy to about one-fifth of its peak concentration and remains at this level until delivery.
Measuring the hCG concentration allows pregnancy to be diagnosed as early as one week after fertilization.
High hCG levels in the blood are found in choriocarcinoma, hydatidiform mole, or multiple pregnancies.
Low hCG levels in the blood are observed in threatened miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, gestosis, or intrauterine fetal death.
High hCG concentrations unrelated to pregnancy can be found in tumors of the germ cells, ovaries, bladder, pancreas, stomach, lungs, and liver.
Patient Preparation
Do not take multivitamins or supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements or multivitamins, for 12 hours before the test.
Sampling
Venous blood
Response deadline
Same day