In what week will hCG show. When hCG in the blood shows pregnancy. Possible complications after blood collection
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The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required! To establish the fact of conception, women most often turn to various pregnancy tests for help. These tests give an almost instant result, but this result is not always true. Considering this fact, experts recommend hCG test, with which you can accurately determine pregnancy, and at the earliest stages of its development. What this analysis is and exactly how it needs to be taken, you can find out by reading this article.
What it is? The hCG test is a test for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin in the body. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a special pregnancy hormone, which in some cases can be detected in the body of a man or a non-pregnant woman. At the moment of conception, the egg divides. During this process, an embryo and membranes are formed, one of which is called the chorion. It is the chorion ( embryo membrane) synthesizes human chorionic gonadotropin, which can be detected in a blood test. Outside of pregnancy, the presence of this hormone may indicate the development of some disease. It is often detected in women who have recently had an abortion.
The role of human chorionic gonadotropin in the first trimester of pregnancy This hormone is necessary primarily to stimulate the synthesis of progesterone ( main hormone of the corpus luteum of the ovaries ) and estrogens ( female sex hormones, which are produced by the ovarian follicles, placenta, partially adrenal cortex and testes ). Subsequently, the synthesis of these same hormones is carried out by the placenta. If the fetus is male, then human chorionic gonadotropin also takes part in the synthesis (Leydig cells interstitial cells located in the testicular stroma around the convoluted seminiferous tubules ), which in turn produce testosterone (). Testosterone in this case is really necessary, since it is what contributes to the formation of male genital organs. In addition, this hormone has a beneficial effect on the adrenal cortex of the embryo.Composition of human chorionic gonadotropin
HCG consists of two units - alpha - And beta - HCG. The beta component is unique, but alpha has a structure that is similar to the structure of units of some other hormones. Based on this, during diagnosis, special attention is paid to beta.Indications for analysis
Among women:- Suspicion of ectopic pregnancy;
- Assessment of the completeness of induced abortion;
- Determining the fact of conception in the early stages;
- Diagnosis of fetal defects;
- Risk of miscarriage ;
- Suspicions of an undeveloped pregnancy;
- Suspicions of malignant neoplasms;
- Tracking your pregnancy progress.
- Diagnosis of testicular tumors.
Norms of human chorionic gonadotropin
This table shows the norms of the beta component during different periods of pregnancy.Indicators are measured in honey/ml:
In men and non-pregnant women, the norm is from 0 to 5.
Decoding
Looking at the table, it can be noted that a gradual increase in the level of the pregnancy hormone up to 7 - 11 weeks is the norm. After this, its amount begins to slowly decrease, which is again quite natural. At the same time, specialists are often able to note an excessive increase or decrease in normal values.
An increase in beta indicators during pregnancy can be observed with:
- Diabetes mellitus in the mother;
- Multiple births;
- The mother's intake of synthetic gestagens ( hormones that regulate pregnancy);
- Gestose ( complications of a normal pregnancy, characterized by disorders of a number of organs and systems of the body);
- Toxicosis ( nausea and vomiting in the morning);
- Incorrectly determined gestational age;
- Various fetal diseases;
- Down syndrome ( pathology, in which most often the karyotype is represented by 47 chromosomes instead of the normal 46) in the fetus;
- Numerous fetal malformations.
- Tumor formations in the gastrointestinal tract;
- Cancer of the kidneys, lungs or uterus;
- Carrying out the analysis within 4 - 5 days after the abortion;
- Testicular tumors;
- Hydatidiform mole ( a product of conception in which normal development of the embryo does not occur, and the placental villi grow in the form of blisters filled with fluid) or its relapses;
- Use of chorionic gonadotropin preparations;
- Chorionic carcinoma ( malignant form of trophoblastic disease that occurs after hydatidiform mole, normal abortion and childbirth).
- Incorrect timing of pregnancy;
- Delay in fetal development;
- Undeveloped pregnancy;
- Fetal death in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy;
- Ectopic pregnancy;
- Threat of miscarriage;
- True post-term pregnancy;
- Chronic placental insufficiency ( a condition in which there is a decrease in blood flow in the fetal aorta).
When should this test be taken?
You can take the test already on the 3rd - 5th day of missed menstruation or on the 12th day after the expected conception. It is not recommended to carry it out at an earlier date, since the results of the analysis during this period are most often inaccurate. To identify fetal diseases in pregnant women, experts recommend testing from 14 to 18 weeks of pregnancy. How to get tested correctly?
Blood for analysis is taken from a vein. It must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. At any other time of the day, blood can be donated no earlier than 4 to 5 hours after eating. Before taking the test, it is important to inform your doctor about the medications you are currently taking, of course, if any.Before use, you should consult a specialist.
Reviews
Hello!
Please tell me, on June 20, 2018, my husband and I didn’t use protection, our last period was on June 10, 2018, then I went to the seaside for a week, on the train on June 29, 2018, I noticed blood on the pad, it didn’t bleed anymore, just out of curiosity, I got tested for HCG on 07/03/2018, the result is 0.45 mmel, last month I took a test 5 days before my period, it showed 0.31 mmel, can I assume that I am pregnant? because I took the test before the ash was delayed by 7-8 days, took the test during the day and the hCG readings increased by 0.14 units from the last test. could this indicate pregnancy? thanks in advance
Hello. Help me answer the question. The hCG tests came back - beta. The doctor said the tests were bad, but did not comment.. 95835 mIU/ml.
MoM - 4.48. Please help me with the answer. and what to do, how to be???((((
Girls, this is the second time I have an ectopic, I think, my hCG is normal 1700, they can’t find the fetus on an ultrasound, my lower abdomen hurts for God’s sake and it can periodically, so I’m going to take the hCG again on Monday, but I have no doubt that I have an ectopic. So soon there will be another operation, girls, the main thing is not to worry and think about the good.
Hello! Please tell me. The doctor prescribed me to take duphaston from 16 to 25 days. with a cycle of 30-32 days. As far as I understand, this drug should be taken after ovulation, and I had it on the 17th-18th day of my pregnancy (I tracked it by ultrasound). Can taking duphaston affect ovulation or not? And how to find out on the 25th day m.c. Is there a pregnancy, because the hCG blood test won’t really show anything yet. But it’s scary to stop taking duphaston, because... may cause miscarriage. P.s. Duphaston was prescribed due to luteal phase deficiency.
Good afternoon
Please tell me! Estimated date of conception 03/20/2015, cycle 28 days, 04/04/2015 menstruation did not start, I took two tests, both weakly positive. 04/08/2015 hCG analysis showed 1026.29 mIU/ml. What does it mean? I am pregnant?
Thank you in advance!!!
Hello, I feel nauseous in the morning, everything is fine during the day, but in the evening I ate and my stomach is bloated, aching in the lower part, weakness, everything is irritated wildly and so on for 3 days in a row, is it worth getting tested?
Hello, the tests have arrived:
b - total hCG 20319 mU/ml, tell me, am I pregnant and how long is it? I really want a baby......
Hello! Yesterday I had a vaginal ultrasound of the pelvis (as there was a nagging pain in the lower abdomen and spotting). I was told that there was a bend in the uterus and possibly a cyst on the left ovary. I took a test today and it was positive. What does it mean if the ultrasound doesn't see anything?
Hello! Can a beta-hCG test show the sex of a child at an early stage? Or what kind of analysis can show it at an early stage? Please answer, I’ll wait, thank you.
Please help me, I’m 3 days late. Today I donated blood for hCG and showed 14 mU/ml. What does it mean? Thank you in advance!
Hello! My last period started on October 23, 2014. Today I donated blood for hCG, the result is 203. Judging by the norms, this is 2-3 weeks, but according to my calculations, it’s already the fourth. Is it possible?
Hello, please tell me!! I have 5 pregnancy tests (from different companies) that are positive, but the stripes are very weak, today I donated blood for hCG and went to the gynecologist and did an ultrasound, but they didn’t see anything. In the evening the hCG result came back, 14 mU/ml.... is this pregnancy????
Tell me, could this be an ectopic? My last period was on September 25th. days when my husband and I did not use protection 8.9.10 October. The delay is already 13 days. I began to smear inside on November 3. Today they don’t see pregnancy on an ultrasound, although the test has two stripes, one of them is less pronounced. what is this uterine? Or is it still a short period of 3-4 weeks and they might not see the fetus on ultrasound?
Doesn't it look like pregnancy?
Hello, I have one question for you, my periods start differently but I don’t have them either in September or October, please tell me what this means and I feel nauseous
Hello! I have this situation! I have a 27-day cycle, my period lasts for 5 days! My last period was on September 4th, already on October 8th there is no 8-day delay, yesterday I had an ultrasound showing the uterus was empty, the tests were also negative, I don’t even know what to think! The ultrasound said that there was ovulation 1-1.5 weeks ago late! Is there any point in donating blood for hCG tomorrow?
Is it possible to determine at an early stage of pregnancy who the father of the child is?
Hello.
I have this situation - my boyfriend and I have been planning a little one for a long time, so we do it often and he cums inside me every time, my periods always come on time! 2-3 always start, that is, at the beginning. but this time they didn’t come, they’ve been gone for a month, today is 31, I took a test somewhere in the middle of the month, at first two bright ones appeared, then one was bright, and the other faded, became barely noticeable, I decided that I was B, Then I took tests every week and today, but for some reason they were all negative. With what it can be connected? and no periods or anything. maybe it's too early? write please. I didn’t go to the doctor. I live far from the city
Good evening. Please tell me. Last May 29, 2014 cycle 28 for 6 days. On the 9th day of the delay (07/03/14) I went for an ultrasound, the doctor did not see the fertilized egg, donated blood for hCG, the hCG response on 07/03 was 224 mU/ml, I came for a repeat ultrasound on 07/07, the doctor again saw nothing, but the hCG on this day was already 1045 mU/ml, they suspected VB, repeated ultrasound was on July 10, a fertilized egg was found in the uterus measuring 5 mm, hCG on July 9 was 2270 mU/ml, they set a very short period, they assume that there was late ovulation, I don’t know what to think, what time Does the size of the fertilized egg and the hCG level correspond? Before this I had a TB on 12/17/13, I’m very worried. Thank you in advance.
Good evening, I had my period on 09/28/13. With a cycle of 28-30 days, I went to the bridle and there was nothing, but 2 tests showed one normal and the other a lighter stripe. How is this to be understood?
It is possible to confirm early pregnancy through a simple blood test for hCG. The presence of this hormone in a woman’s body is responsible for the full development of the fetus.
Determining pregnancy by blood: feasibility of use
One common way to check for pregnancy is by using pregnancy tests. However, this kind of “home test” is not always a 100% guarantee of the reliability of the result. For example, the test showed a negative result, but ideally, you have already started a new life. In addition, a urine test rarely detects the fact of pregnancy at an early stage, as a rule, only from the first day of a delay in the monthly cycle.When does an hCG test show pregnancy?
Fertilization in the early stages can be confirmed or refuted using a blood test to determine pregnancy. This study is called biochemical screening for hCG (human gonadotropin) levels. Gonadotropin is a hormone produced in a woman’s body during fertilization. This protein, its concentrate in the body, indicates not only the “interesting position” of the girl, but also shows the duration of the expected pregnancy in weeks.It is important to note that it is impossible to determine the presence of a fetus through a general blood test, as some girls think. This type of diagnosis shows the level of hemoglobin and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, but does not prove the fact of conception itself.
It is reasonable to take a blood test for hCG during pregnancy in cases where the strip test “plays stripes with you”, showing either one or several stripes, in the case of artificial insemination.
It is important that the result of the gonadotropin test is deciphered exclusively by a gynecologist, and not by experienced “friends-advisers”. For example, late ovulation occurs, and conception does not occur at the expected moment. This leads to some complications, in particular, ectopic pregnancy. An inexperienced woman will not determine this fact on her own and will ignore it. Which, as a result, will lead to a deplorable situation.
On what day will hCG show pregnancy?
After the egg is fertilized, the level of gonadotropin gradually increases. In pregnant girls, the hormone increases several times every two hours. After 12 days of fertilization, an hCG test may detect pregnancy. In some cases, the study is carried out on days 8-9. If the date of conception is not known, doctors recommend diagnosis after four weeks from the first day of the last monthly cycle.If the result of the blood test for hCG is 5mEm/ml or lower, pregnancy is not confirmed. When a laboratory test shows a result of less than 50 mU/ml (neither confirms nor denies the presence of a fetus), experts recommend retaking the blood test. If the result is above 50 units, we can safely say about the existence of an embryo.
Below is a table with approximate data on the level of “pregnant hormone” in the corresponding period after conception.
It should be noted that the indicated level of gonadotropin is not a final indicator of the norm, but an approximate one. Each woman's body is individual, so the level of the hormone may vary. In addition, different laboratories adhere to their own hCG standards, so the initial and repeat tests should be done in the same outpatient clinic.
What follows if:
- The level of gonadotropin has increased several times since the last results - this is a wonderful sign. You are in a position.
- The level of hCG is approximately two to three times lower than during a full pregnancy - a sign of a problematic pregnancy (ectopic);
- If the level of hCG rises rapidly, it indicates multiple pregnancy (the hormone grows in accordance with the number of fetuses in the uterus); with early toxicosis; in case of endocrine diseases; in the later stages it signals that the baby is post-term.
- The concentration of the “pregnancy hormone” did not increase over time – a sign of embryonic fading.
- Along with laboratory tests, a pregnant woman should undergo ultrasound screening at an early stage. Fetal ultrasound is an accurate and visual determination of the fact of intrauterine pregnancy. HCG screening only detects fertilization, but does not guarantee a healthy, normally developing pregnancy.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (abbreviated as hCG, hGT, HCG in English, HGL in Ukrainian) is a hormone that, in the normal state of the body, is produced exclusively during pregnancy. The hCG hormone is produced after conception - it is synthesized by the fertilized egg, and after it is formed trophoblast (this is the precursor of the placenta), this hormone is produced by its tissues. That is why the level of hCG is determined only after conception.
Human chorionic gonadotropin consists of two different subunits - alpha And beta . Moreover, alpha is identical to the subunits of alpha hormones. When we talk about hCG - what it is, its B-subunit is considered. It is important to understand when considering what beta hCG is that it is a unique subunit, so it cannot be confused with other hormones. When talking about testing for human chorionic gonadotropin, we mean that there is no difference between hCG and beta-hCG.
What is hCG during pregnancy? Its definition and decoding is a very important stage in the diagnosis of a number of pathologies of both the fetus and the woman. In some conditions that will be described in this article, hCG values are either greatly reduced or increased. When considering what kind of analysis this is, you need to take into account that with small deviations from the norm, this study has no diagnostic value. Therefore, some diseases and conditions of the expectant mother ( post-term pregnancy , intrauterine infection, chronic fetoplacental insufficiency ) determined by other methods.
After the hCG results have been received, they are interpreted over time, since each woman’s hCG level changes differently during pregnancy. Therefore, one result cannot judge the situation as a whole.
It is important that the result of the hCG pregnancy test be reviewed by a qualified specialist. After all, decoding the hCG test is very important, as it allows you to correct some problems in fetal development.
Since the free beta subunit of gonadotropin is unique, the test that determines the norm of hCG during pregnancy is also called beta-hCG. The norm is if during pregnancy HCGb appears in the blood a few days after conception. But, nevertheless, if, for example, hCG is 8, what does this mean cannot be definitely said after the first analysis. A repeat test will be needed to confirm pregnancy. In general, the fb-HCG norm is a very important indicator of fetal development.
When taking hCG at Invitro, Hemotest, Helix and other clinics, a woman needs to understand what this indicator is, when such a test will show pregnancy, etc. This will be discussed in the article below.
What is hCG used for?
When determining HCGb levels, you need to understand what human gonadotropin is needed for. Wikipedia states the following:
- this hormone at the beginning of pregnancy stimulates the process of synthesis and;
- prevents disappearance corpus luteum ;
- prevents aggression maternal body against fetal cells;
- initiates physiological and anatomical changes in the pregnant woman’s body;
- stimulates the adrenal glands and gonads of the fetus;
- participates in the process of sexual differentiation in male fetuses.
Why is this test prescribed?
The analysis is prescribed to women for the purpose of:
- early diagnosis of pregnancy;
- monitoring the dynamics of how pregnancy progresses;
- determination of developmental defects (fetal anatomy);
- development exceptions ectopic pregnancy ;
- the need to assess whether the artificial one was completely carried out;
- establishing that there is a threat;
- diagnostics And tumors .
For male patients, such analysis is necessary to diagnose testicular tumors .
HCG levels during pregnancy
The function of human chorionic gonadotropin in the body is very important. Its indicators begin to increase in the early stages, as it is produced by a fertilized egg. It is hCG that makes it possible for pregnancy to develop, since it triggers all the processes necessary for bearing a baby.
Already 9 days after ovulation, hCG can be detected in the blood plasma. That is, already when the fertilized egg has penetrated the endometrium, there is a slow increase in the levels of this hormone. And if its low level is determined in the early stages, then the concentration doubles every two days. What exactly its level should be in a certain week, how hCG should grow, whether slow or fast growth is noted, can be found out from the corresponding tables.
The increase in hCG during pregnancy occurs until 8-10 weeks from the last menstruation, when its peak is noted - 50,000-10,000 IU/l. Then the hormone level begins to decrease, by 18-20 weeks it is already reduced by half. Then the hCG level remains stable throughout the entire pregnancy.
During pregnancy, gonadotropin is excreted from the body by the kidneys, and therefore is excreted in the urine. It can be determined by performing a urine test in the range of 30-60 days after the last menstruation. The highest rates are observed on days 60-70. This is why, when hCG begins to be produced, you can do a pregnancy test strip or other urine tests.
HCG levels during late pregnancy may reach repeated peak levels. Previously, doctors considered this to be normal. However, it has now been proven that elevated hCG in later stages may indicate developmental pathology. In particular, a high level of the hormone in the last weeks of gestation sometimes means that there is a reaction of the placenta to placental insufficiency in the case of Rhesus conflict .
Therefore, it is necessary to promptly identify this disease and carry out treatment.
The main signs of hydatidiform mole are:
- Constant, indomitable vomit , much more painful than with normal.
- Uterine bleeding (severe spotting) in the early stages.
- The size of the uterus is larger than normal at this stage.
- Symptoms preeclampsia (Sometimes).
- Trembling fingers, palpitations, weight loss (rare).
When the signs described above are noted, it is important to consult a gynecologist, undergo an ultrasound and be tested for hCG.
If pregnancy develops normally, then the level of this hormone rarely increases above 500,000 IU/l. There is an approximate calculation of hormone norms for each period. But if a hydatidiform mole develops, the hCG level is different, several times higher than these norms.
To cure a hydatidiform mole, all trophoblast must be removed from the uterus. To do this, curettage or other surgical interventions are performed.
It may happen that a benign hydatidiform mole turns into malignant chorionic carcinoma . As a rule, metastases appear very quickly with this tumor. But it responds well to treatment with chemotherapy .
There are the following indications for chemotherapy:
- HCG level is above 20,000 IU/L one month after the hydatidiform mole was removed.
- An increase in the level of this hormone after a hydatidiform mole has been removed.
- Metastases to other organs.
Chorionic carcinoma
Chorionic carcinoma may appear both after a hydatidiform mole and after childbirth or abortion. If a woman develops this disease, then 40 days after the pregnancy ends, the hCG level has not fallen, but has increased. Uterine bleeding may also be observed, signs that indicate metastases. In such a situation, there are indications for chemotherapy and surgery. In the future, the patient should remain under observation. The doctor decides how long it should last.
Use of drugs containing human chorionic gonadotropin
Like all human hormones, human chorionic gonadotropin levels can depend on various factors. Thus, the test result is influenced by whether the woman takes medications containing human gonadotropin orally.
As a rule, such drugs are prescribed to women with, as well as during the period when preparations are underway for IVF, in order to increase hormone levels.
In rare cases, such medications are taken if there is a threat of miscarriage. In any case, if a woman uses such medications, then before carrying out any measurements and tests, you need to warn the doctor about this.
Taking a variety of medications, many women are interested in whether they can affect the levels of this hormone. For example, it is often asked whether to the hCG level. According to experts, Duphaston may slightly affect the level of this hormone, since this drug controls the level progesterone . However, if hCG does not meet the norm, this cannot be attributed to the influence of the drug, since it may be a pathological condition.
The level of this hormone is not affected.
Hormonal medications, the active component of which is human chorionic gonadotropin, are drugs Profasi , Humegon , Horagon , Khoriogonin , Menogon . They restore the ovulatory process and activate the hormonal activity of the corpus luteum. At what size of the follicle the injection is given is determined by the doctor.
Initially, studies are carried out on hormones, their norm in women and deviations. If certain abnormalities occur, in particular, progesterone is below normal, what this means, the doctor will explain during the consultation and prescribe specific treatment.
If necessary, to stimulate ovulation, hCG injections from 5000 to 10000 IU are prescribed, in order to maintain pregnancy - from 1000 to 3000 IU. Individual dose selection is important. Therefore, if the 10,000 injection was given, when is ovulation, if the 5,000 injection was given, how long after ovulation, the specialist will explain.
Currently, human chorionic gonadotropin is also used by athletes, since under its influence it increases in the male body.
False positive test result
Those who are interested in what stage of pregnancy a test for this hormone shows, should take into account that in some situations the tests can be false positive.
This happens in the following cases:
- Some experts say that when taking oral contraceptives, hormone levels may increase. However, there is no proven evidence that taking contraception affects hCG.
- As a rule, after childbirth or abortion, hormone levels decrease for seven days. In some cases, the doctor waits 42 days, after which tests are taken and he can make a diagnosis. If the analysis shows that hCG has not decreased or has increased, then we may be talking about a trophoblastic tumor.
- Levels may remain elevated when metastases occur chorionic carcinoma , hydatidiform mole .
- Other tumors can also develop from germinal tissues, but they rarely produce an increase in hormone levels. Therefore, if there is a formation in the brain, stomach, lungs and a high level of human chorionic gonadotropin, first of all, a suspicion of trophoblastic tumors with metastases arises.
Thus, the hCG level in non-pregnant women should not be higher than those that are normal. The normal level of hCG in non-pregnant women is from 0 to 5. The level of this hormone in a non-pregnant woman may be higher in the first days after an abortion, when taking certain medications, as well as with the development of certain pathological conditions.
Immunity against hCG
In rare cases (units) the female body produces to chorionic hormone. They are an obstacle to the normal attachment of a fertilized egg in the uterus and its subsequent development.
Therefore, if in two or more cases the pregnancy ended in spontaneous miscarriage, it is important to take a test to determine antibodies to hCG and find out if there are any certain abnormalities. If the result is positive, treatment is carried out during the first trimester.
The woman is prescribed glucocorticoids And low molecular weight heparins . However, it is important to consider that organisms producing antibodies to hCG are rare. Therefore, in the absence of pregnancy, you must initially undergo all tests and exclude the influence of other factors on women’s and men’s health.
conclusions
Thus, an analysis for hCG is a very important study during the period of bearing a baby. It is understandable that after receiving research results, patients have many questions. For example, why hCG increases but does not double, how to correctly decipher hCG by DPO, etc., does fibroids affect the level of the hormone, etc. You need to ask a gynecologist about everything, who will help decipher the tests and give comprehensive answers to all questions.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is often called a special pregnancy hormone, since it is responsible for regulating the main hormonal processes in the body of the expectant mother during pregnancy.
In some cases, hCG testing may be prescribed for men, and not just women who are in an “interesting” situation.
What is a blood test for hCG and when should it be taken?
The level of hCG determined in the patient’s blood is always the most reliable method of detecting the presence of pregnancy even in the very early stages. The hormone begins to be produced almost immediately by the outer membrane of the developing embryo, as well as by the chorion, while its concentration increases every day throughout almost the entire first third of pregnancy.
A constant increase in the concentration of hCG is necessary for the preservation of the fetus and its normal timely development, but in addition, it stimulates the synthesis of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen, without which it is impossible to bear a baby.
In the absence of a developing embryo in the uterus, the body also produces hCG, but its synthesis (by the pituitary gland) is insignificant, therefore, when conducting a blood test, this hormone is not detected in it.
A hCG test is prescribed for women if:
- It is necessary to diagnose a suspected pregnancy at its initial stage.
- There is a confirmed pregnancy in order to monitor the development of the baby and prevent termination if there is a threat.
- The presence of a pathological pregnancy, in particular an ectopic one, is assumed to confirm it.
- A medical abortion was performed. To check the woman’s condition and exclude the presence of possible remnants of membranes and other remains of the embryo.
For men, a test for hCG levels can be prescribed if there is a suspicion of the development of tumor processes and certain pathological conditions.
When is it better to take a hCG test to determine pregnancy and at what time will it show the result? To determine a possible pregnancy, you can take a blood test for the hCG hormone already from 2–5 days of delay, since its level becomes sufficient to detect this condition already in the early stages, namely 12–13 days after successful conception. Of course, the hCG hormone appears in a woman’s blood almost immediately after fertilization of the egg, and increases every day, but its level shows a positive result for pregnancy only after 2 weeks of pregnancy.
What does a human chorionic gonadotropin test determine?
Based on hCG research, various pregnancy test strips have been developed, which are sold in any pharmacy and used at home. The only difference is that the strips are used to detect hCG in a woman’s urine, where the concentration of this hormone increases much more slowly than in the blood.
If a home test allows you to establish pregnancy no earlier than 2–3 days after your missed period, then a blood test will show hCG in low concentrations at the earliest stages, a couple of days after fertilization has occurred.
There are 2 types of hCG studies, which measure free beta-hCG or total hCG levels.
The study of the general indicator is always aimed at identifying a possible pregnancy and confirming it, in cases where pharmacy test strips are not capable of giving any result other than a negative one. If there are no pathologies in the development of the embryo, then the hCG level in the blood constantly doubles, occurring literally every 2 days. The maximum concentration value is usually reached by the 11th week, after which a slow decrease in hormone levels begins.
If you collect all the recommendations and take into account all the nuances, then an hCG test to determine pregnancy can be done a few days after the expected result, but for the most reliable result you should wait at least 2 weeks.
An hCG test is prescribed (in the normal course of pregnancy) three times during the entire period and is part of routine perinatal screening, carried out every third of the term.
The determination of free beta-hCG is usually carried out for the purpose of diagnosing testicular and trophoblastic neoplasms, in particular, oncological pathologies of the testicles, choriocarcinoma, and hydatidiform mole. At the initial stage of pregnancy, such a study is carried out to assess the development of the embryo and identify possible pathologies, for example, Edwards or Down syndrome, as well as some other disorders.
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It is important to remember that if the test result is positive, this does not mean that the fetus has developmental abnormalities. This result only indicates their possibility, and the woman is at risk. Repeated studies for this group are carried out a little later, mainly at periods from 8 to 13 weeks, and then from 15 to 20 weeks.
Special indications for pregnant women to conduct such a study are:
- History of Down syndrome.
- The presence of developmental defects, as well as chronic illnesses in one of the parents and their immediate relatives.
- The mother's age is more than 35 years.
- Exposure to radiation.
Rules for preparing for research
It is important that the test for hCG levels be reliable and as informative as possible for the doctor, so the procedure for donating blood for the hormone requires proper preparation, following all the rules for donating blood for hCG. To carry out the analysis, blood is taken from the patient’s vein in a standard way, using a conventional disposable sterile syringe while squeezing the vein at the level of the middle of the shoulder area.
During the day before the procedure for donating blood for hCG, it is important to remain calm, avoid nervous and stressful situations, worries and disorders.
Various physical activities should also be avoided, for example, heavy bags, climbing stairs to upper floors, and playing sports. It is also better to postpone cleaning the apartment, ironing clothes and other activities for a few days.
Meals on the day before the test should be light and not excessive. You should refrain from fatty and fried foods, spicy and salty foods, as well as excessive consumption of sweets.
It is necessary to donate blood for hCG in the morning; you cannot eat before donating blood, and it is better to come to the procedure with a reserve of time in order to be able to sit quietly for about 20 - 30 minutes to rest and calm down.
You shouldn’t get yourself worked up in advance and worry about the results of the study, as this can affect the state of the blood and distort the real indicators of many components, which will lead to false data.
Decoding the analysis results
If the resulting pregnancy develops normally, without any disturbances at the initial stage, then the presence of hCG in the woman’s blood is determined after the first week from the estimated date of conception.
An increase in hCG is observed constantly, until the onset of 11–12 weeks, after which a slow and gradual decline begins until the onset of the 22nd week, and then, almost until birth, the concentration of the hormone increases again, but not as actively as at the initial stage.
These studies on hCG levels are of great importance for assessing the condition of a developing child and excluding the presence of possible developmental disorders and pathologies.
If the study results reveal deviations from established standards, the doctor can take the required measures in a timely manner, depending on the diagnosis and condition of the woman.
In women in normal condition (not pregnant), the level of hCG in the blood should not exceed 5 IU, but in most cases this value is close to zero. With the onset of menopause, due to hormonal instability, women experience a slight natural increase in gonadotropin in the blood, but this value does not exceed 9 IU.
Of course, each woman’s body has its own individual characteristics, so there are no clear and strict standards for hCG during pregnancy, but doctors have established certain boundaries within which the indicator is considered normal. Only a specialist can do it accurately and reliably.
HCG norms depending on the stage of pregnancy:
Reduced hCG levels
If the test results indicate a low hCG value, this indicates the presence of possible problems in the development of the current pregnancy, in particular:
- To carry a baby longer than expected.
- For the presence of a pathological (ectopic) pregnancy.
- For the presence of placental insufficiency.
- For delayed development of the baby.
- There is a serious risk of miscarriage.
- For fading pregnancy.
- For intrauterine fetal death.
Detection of a low hCG value during a confirmed pregnancy requires urgent hospitalization and taking the necessary measures, especially if the value is below normal by approximately 50% or more.
An important point is that if the study result contains data ranging from 5 to 25 IU, then it is impossible to draw conclusions about the presence of pregnancy (as well as its absence). In this case, a repeat study will be required after 2 to 4 days in order to determine the increase in hCG levels that occurs during pregnancy, or the absence of an increase if the result is negative.
Increased rate
High levels of the hormone can be observed in the blood after a medical abortion for about 5 days, and can also appear as a result of taking certain medications containing this hormone.
In non-pregnant women, as well as in men, the detection of high hCG levels in the blood may indicate the presence of an oncological process in any organ, for example, in the kidneys, intestines, ovaries or uterus, in the lungs and other organs.
If during pregnancy a sharp increase in hCG levels is observed in a woman’s blood, this may indicate:
- Presence of diabetes mellitus.
- Multiple pregnancy.
- Gestosis in the late period.
- Toxicosis in the early period.
- We will take progestogen drugs to replenish progesterone levels.
- Anomalies in the development of the embryo (fetus) at the chromosomal level.
One of the most used and widely known methods for the early diagnosis of pregnancy is a pregnancy test based on the detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine. At the same time, even more useful information can be obtained by determining the level of hCG in the blood. In what cases is this test prescribed and how to properly donate blood for hCG - let's figure it out.
HCG in blood and urine
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the most important hormone that is produced by the membranes of the embryo and fetus (first by the chorionic villi, and then by the placenta) from the moment of implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine wall until delivery.
During the first 2-3 months of pregnancy, the concentration of hCG in the blood increases progressively - normally the figure doubles every 2 days. From the 12th to the 16th week, the concentration of the hormone gradually decreases, from 16 to 34 it remains at a constant level, and after the 34th week there is a repeated increase in the concentration of hCG in the blood, which is considered as a possible mechanism for preparing the mother’s body for childbirth.
HCG ensures the preservation and development of pregnancy and plays an important role in stimulating and maintaining the normal synthesis of sex hormones - estrogen and progesterone, the action of which is also aimed at creating conditions for the optimal course of pregnancy. After synthesis by the cells of the fruit membranes, hCG enters the mother’s blood, and from there into the urine. Therefore, hCG tests in blood and urine are one of the reliable ways to diagnose pregnancy.
It should be said that not only the placenta and embryonic membranes are a potential source of hCG in the blood. Certain amounts of this hormone can be synthesized by hormone-producing tumors (for example, chorionepithelioma, some testicular tumors), as well as (in postmenopausal women) special cells of the pituitary gland.
HCG difference in blood and urine
Immediately after the start of hCG synthesis by the membranes of the embryo, the hormone enters the woman’s blood, where it realizes its physiological effects. Therefore, hCG appears in the blood of a pregnant woman already on the day of egg implantation - that is, 7-8 days from conception. Moreover, for the hormone to appear in the urine, it is necessary that the level of hCG in the blood reach certain values, which occurs no earlier than 10-14 days after conception. That is, the main difference between tests for hCG in urine and blood is that pregnancy can be determined by blood a few days earlier. Therefore, hCG in the blood is considered the earliest marker of pregnancy.
HCG blood test
The hCG blood test is performed in a laboratory. For this, the woman’s blood is used, from which plasma (serum) is obtained, and then examined using a special analyzer. In general, the analysis (from the moment of blood sampling to the receipt of the result) can take from one to several days (the exact timing depends on the workload and operating procedures of a particular laboratory).
How to donate blood for hCG correctly
To obtain the most reliable test results, it is very important to know how to properly donate blood for hCG. The concept of “donating correctly” in this case implies the timing of blood donation, specific preparation for the test and the choice of place for collecting blood for hCG analysis.
When can you donate blood for hCG?
If a blood test for hCG is prescribed to diagnose early pregnancy, blood can be donated starting from the 8th day after conception. However, at this time the concentration of the hormone in the blood may be too low and the result may be false negative or questionable. Therefore, it is best to donate blood after 1-2 days of missed menstruation.
In some cases (when donating blood before a missed period, to exclude a frozen or ectopic pregnancy), the doctor prescribes a triple test, that is, blood for hCG in this case must be donated three times with an interval of 2-3 days (preferably at the same time of day ). An adequate increase in the concentration of the hormone in the blood will mean that the pregnancy is developing normally. The absence of a normal increase in the indicator will indicate that problems with pregnancy are possible.
If a hCG blood test is performed to confirm the success of surgery for an ectopic pregnancy or medical abortion, blood for testing is taken 1-2 days after the surgery/abortion.
If blood for hCG is taken for other reasons (for example, to identify certain tumors or monitor the progress of pregnancy), the test can be taken on any day convenient for the patient.
Blood test for hCG during pregnancy
It should be said that blood for hCG during pregnancy is examined not only for early diagnosis of pregnancy. A very important test is the hCG blood test, which is performed in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy for the purpose of biochemical prenatal screening for the presence of defects (chromosomal abnormalities) in the fetus. Also, an hCG test during pregnancy can be performed at any stage to monitor the progression of pregnancy.
On what day to donate blood for hCG
Biochemical screening of the 1st trimester of pregnancy is carried out at a period of 11 weeks - 13 weeks 6 days, screening of the 2nd trimester - at a period of 16-18 weeks of pregnancy. Usually, blood for hCG (and other markers of chromosomal abnormalities - free estriol, alpha-fetoprotein, PAPP-A protein) is taken on the same day as the mandatory screening ultrasound of the fetus in the 1st and 2nd trimesters.
When to donate blood for hCG before a delay
As mentioned above, hCG appears in a woman’s blood already 7-8 days after conception, that is, about a week before a missed period. However, during this week the levels of the hormone in the blood are so low that they may not be detected even by highly sensitive laboratory analyzers, which creates the possibility of obtaining a false negative result. Therefore, women who donate blood for hCG for the first time before a missed period must repeat this test at least 2 more times with an interval of 2-3 days to get a reliable result.
Where is blood taken for hCG?
For hCG analysis, venous blood is used, which is obtained using standard methods. Typically, the vein of the elbow is used for this, that is, a vessel that runs shallow under the skin in the area of the inner bend of the elbow. If the veins in the elbow area are deep or have a structure that makes it difficult to draw blood, the technician can use veins in the hand or other superficial venous vessels.
Blood test for hCG on an empty stomach or not
Blood for hCG analysis is taken in a fasting state - that is, after an 8-10-hour overnight fast. If you have to donate blood during the day (not in the morning), you must refrain from eating for at least 4 hours before collecting the sample.
Blood test for hCG when it shows pregnancy
The most reliable result of a blood test for hCG to diagnose pregnancy can be obtained on the 3-5th day of a missed period and at a later date. Given these realities, women planning a pregnancy are not recommended to donate blood for hCG too early - this will save them from unnecessary worries associated with false negative test results.
HCG level in blood
When interpreting the results of a blood test for hCG, it is necessary to take into account the gender, age of the patient, indications for the test, as well as the units of measurement and normal limits used by the laboratory. Only compliance with all these conditions will allow you to obtain useful information from the result of a blood test for hCG, so a qualified doctor should decipher the test result.
Below are the normal values of hCG levels in the blood of adult women and men, used by the largest laboratories in Ukraine. We emphasize once again that only the attending physician can use these values to interpret the test result. These figures are presented in this article for informational purposes only.
HCG by day from conception in the blood
In the first 3 weeks of pregnancy, counting from the moment of conception, the level of hCG in the blood normally changes as follows:
- 6-8 days - 5-50 mIU/ml;
- days 7-14 - 50-500 mIU/ml;
- Days 14-21 - 101-4870 mIU/ml.
If the result of a blood test for hCG falls within these limits, then pregnancy exists and it is developing normally.
HCG in the blood by day
The following indicators are used to monitor the course of pregnancy and prenatal screening for fetal defects/anomalies:
| Week of pregnancy | HCG level (mIU/ml) |
|---|---|
| 3rd week | 5,8-71,2 |
| 4th week | 9,5-750,0 |
| 5th week | 217,0-7138,0 |
| 6th week | 158,0-31795,0 |
| 7th week | 3697,0-163563,0 |
| 8th week | 32065,0-149571,0 |
| 9th week | 63803,0-151410,0 |
| 10-11th week | 46509,0-186977,0 |
| 12 -13th week | 27832,0-210612,0 |
| Week 14 | 13950,0-62530,0 |
| Week 15 | 12039,0-70971,0 |
| Week 16 | 9040,0-56451,0 |
| Week 17 | 8175,0-55868,0 |
| Week 18 | 8099,0-58176,0 |
Normal hCG level in blood
In the blood of non-pregnant women, the normal level of hCG is
When to donate blood for hCG
The main indications for a blood test for hCG are:
- diagnosis of early pregnancy;
- diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy; -prenatal screening of the fetus for the presence of malformations and chromosomal abnormalities;
- exclusion of frozen pregnancy;
- suspicion of a threat of termination of pregnancy;
- monitoring the development of pregnancy;
- suspicion of certain tumor diseases in men (testicular tumor) and women (chorionepithelioma, chorionic carcinoma);
- assessment of the outcome of surgery for ectopic pregnancy and medical abortion;
- diagnosis, effectiveness monitoring and follow-up after trophoblastic disease.
Blood test for hCG decoding
In men and non-pregnant women, only an increase in hCG levels has diagnostic value. Increase in hCG level above the upper limit of normal in this group of people may indicate:
- presence (relapse) of chorionic carcinoma or hydatidiform mole (women);
- presence of seminoma or testicular teratoma (men);
- the presence of a tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, kidneys, uterus.
In women, elevated levels of hCG can be detected within 4 to 5 days after an abortion, as well as while taking hCG drugs.
During pregnancy, both an increase and a decrease in hCG levels are important.
Increase in hCG level may indicate the presence of a multiple pregnancy; prolonged pregnancy; the presence of early gestosis or diabetes mellitus in the pregnant woman, the presence of Down syndrome or multiple malformations in the fetus. Also, an increase in the level of hCG in the blood of pregnant women (above the level normal for a given stage of pregnancy) is possible if the duration of pregnancy is incorrectly determined and while taking hormonal drugs to prevent miscarriage.
Decrease in hCG levels during pregnancy may be associated with the presence of an ectopic or frozen pregnancy, threatened miscarriage, placental insufficiency, post-term pregnancy and intrauterine fetal death.