hCG (Pregnancy) Blood Test, Quantitative

Quantitative hCG testing measures the actual amount of hCG present in the blood. It may be ordered to help diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, to help diagnose and monitor a pregnancy that may be failing, and or to monitor a woman after a miscarriage.

Description

This test can be used for the early detection of on-going monitoring of pregnancy. It is also helpful in determining the presence of hCG in patients with gestational trophoblastic disease; evaluating and monitoring male patients with testicular tumors, and follow up molar pregnancy. The quantitative hCG assay should be used for nonroutine detection of hCG (eg, ectopic pregnancy, threatened abortions, miscarriages, or very early pregnancy).

In some patients, several quantitative blood hCG tests over several days may be ordered to rule out an ectopic pregnancy or to monitor a woman after a miscarriage. A health professional will also order a quantitative hCG test when she suspects trophoblastic disease or the presence of germ cell tumors.