AKA pregnancy hormone
The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) serum blood test is used to measure the level of hCG hormone present in blood.
It is performed in a laboratory
It Can measure beta-hCG as low as 1 to 2 mIU/mL
Can be measured within 1 to 2 days of implantation (8 or 9 days after ovulation)
There are 2 types
-
Qualitative
Is a yes/no answer about whether the woman has hCG in her blood. -
Quantitative
Is a measurement of the precise amount of hCG in the blood.
Results
Normal pregnancy
Serum hCG levels that are doubling about every 24 hours during the first 8 weeks.
Nonviable pregnancy
(whether intra-uterine or extra-uterine)
hCG levels that plateau prior to 8 weeks or that fail to double.
Dropping hCG levels
In the first trimester, is probably a sign of impending miscarriage/abortion.