The level of hCG in the blood is 2 times higher than in the urine, which is why a biochemical blood test during pregnancy is more effective. Home test strips are even less reliable. They are used at home 2 weeks after conception. Therefore, carry out a test for hCG earlier than after 14 days makes no sense.

Analysis period

There are 2 types of analysis to determine hCG levels: total and free.

A blood test for total hCG is used to determine pregnancy in early stages when a home test is not yet able to reveal the result. In the absence of diseases, the concentration of the hormone in the first weeks after conception doubles every 2 days, its maximum level is observed at 10 - 11 weeks. After this, the amount of the hormone begins to gradually decrease.

From the 13th week of pregnancy, general hCG is combined with laboratory and ultrasound tests to identify pathologies of fetal development.

Free beta-hCG is included in prenatal screening(a set of laboratory and ultrasound tests) for pregnant women in the 1st and 2nd trimester. The study allows you to confirm or refute Down or Edwards syndrome in the embryo. At positive result there is a risk of developing chromosomal pathologies.

Special indications for ß-hCG testing:

Pregnant woman over 35 years old;
If Down syndrome was diagnosed in close relatives;
Excessive exposure to ionizing radiation.

It is important to properly prepare for the study - only in this case the hCG analysis will be the most accurate.

The hCG study is carried out on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning (before breakfast). If you can collect material for analysis (blood, urine) only during the daytime, then you should not eat food for 4–6 hours before the procedure. During this period, you should avoid tonic drinks (coffee, tea) and juices. Only filtered water is allowed to be consumed.

24 hours before the test, you should exclude or minimize intense physical activity . Avoid dynamic workouts in the gym, jogging, aerobics, etc. This is necessary, since during intense sports, substances begin to be produced that affect the reliability of the result.

The day before the hCG test, stop taking medications, especially hormonal ones.. If the medication was prescribed to you by a doctor and its use cannot be interrupted, then warn the laboratory assistant about this. It is important to indicate the name medicine and the dosage you follow.

For the study, blood is collected from a vein. If you carry out the analysis in the laboratory, you will receive the results in a few hours or the next day. If the material is examined in another laboratory, then its results will be ready in 3 to 12 days.

Decoding the research results

If the results obtained from a blood test during pregnancy are higher or lower than normal by 20% or more, then we are talking about the development of embryo pathology. However, when interpreting analyses, one should take into account individual characteristics body. It is for this reason that the study must be carried out by a qualified specialist. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe a repeat test, which is carried out at intervals of 2 to 3 days. If, after additional diagnostics, a questionable result is confirmed, then the doctor prescribes competent treatment. Otherwise, a repeat analysis may be necessary.

If the study is carried out to identify the risk of unfavorable development of the embryo, then the results are issued in the form of screening studies.

Screening studies show the individual risk of developing an anomaly in a child, the result is presented in the form of a frequency ratio. For example, the risk of developing trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) is 1:1600 (this is an approximate figure).

If the test results are normal, then this indicates that the fetus is developing normally and there are no pathologies. If doctors have identified some abnormalities, then there is no need to panic. In this case, you should consult a doctor who will correctly interpret the analysis. The abnormality is confirmed only if other diagnostic findings are present.

Causes of elevated hCG

Any deviation from the norm is a reason to be wary, since such results indicate certain problems and complications in the mother’s body. Then you should make sure that the deadline is set correctly, otherwise any comparison with the norm is meaningless.

If the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin is too high, then this indicator may indicate multiple pregnancy. In most cases hCG level increases according to the number of fruits.

The concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin indicates the following diseases:

Toxicosis;
Late toxicosis;
Pathologies of embryo development, for example, Down syndrome;
Pregnancy that lasts more than 42 weeks.

The amount of the hormone may indicate the presence of diabetes mellitus in a pregnant woman. Also, increased values indicate that the woman is taking synthetic gestagen-containing drugs.

If it turns out that the woman is not pregnant, and the concentration of hCG is high, then we are talking about false positive result analysis.

Causes of elevated hormone levels:

A course of treatment with hormonal drugs;
Residual phenomenon from a previous pregnancy or medical abortion;
Malignant formation in the structure of the trophoblast (the outer layer of cells in embryos);
Anomaly in the development of the fertilized egg, in which there is no normal height embryo;
Neoplasms on the ovaries, uterus, kidneys or lungs.

In such cases, you should consult a doctor.

Factors of low hormone levels

Low concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin also require attention. In this case, it is important to immediately consult a doctor.

If the amount of the hormone is less than 50%, then this may indicate the following pathologies:

Hereditary anomalies;
Attachment of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity;
Threat spontaneous abortion or intrauterine fetal death;
Fetal death during pregnancy due to various diseases and injuries to the mother or congenital pathologies of the fetus, etc.

In a regressing (frozen) pregnancy, the embryo dies for various reasons. In this case, hCG ceases to be produced and, according to the results of the analysis, its level decreases sharply. Then the doctor prescribes a dynamic hCG test during pregnancy, that is, the study is carried out several times to observe how the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood plasma changes.

But don’t panic ahead of time; in such cases, as mentioned earlier, you should check the gestational age.

To confirm or refute a frozen pregnancy, they carry out ultrasound examination. Only on the basis of its results a final diagnosis is made. There are cases where, during a regressing pregnancy, the concentration of hCG increases, and other signs disappear.

Doctors talk about cases where in pregnant women the hCG test result shows 0. In most cases, this is an error, and therefore it is worth conducting a control test.

HCG analysis is an excellent way not only to detect pregnancy, but also to monitor the condition of the woman and fetus throughout the entire period.

The level of the hCG hormone in the blood allows you to determine pregnancy or exclude it. Women who want to donate blood for testing are often interested in the correctness of the donation and the consistency of the results. After how many days does a blood test for hCG show pregnancy, when is it better to take it - in the morning or in the evening, and other answers to questions, read the article below.

HCG hormone - what does it mean?

A special protein hormone that is produced by the membranes of the developing fetus a few days after the implantation of a fertilized egg into the uterus (the process of attachment to the uterine epithelium), called human chronic gonadotropin.

HCG ensures normal development of the embryo throughout pregnancy.

In the female body, this hormone blocks the processes of the menstrual cycle and increases the production of biologically active substances (estrogen and progesterone), which are necessary for the normal process of bearing a child.

What does a blood test for hCG show?

The main components of the hormone are subunits:

α – identical to the molecules of luteorpin, thyrotropin, follitropin;
β – a unique (free) particle.

That is why the essence of the test is to determine the content of β-hCG in biological fluids (blood or urine). An increase in the level of hormone in a woman’s body is one of the signs of pregnancy. Study hCG concentrations provides an opportunity to identify multiple births and allows you to monitor the development of babies.

The analysis is prescribed to women for:

early pregnancy diagnosis;
monitoring the course of pregnancy;
exclusion of pregnancy outside the uterine cavity and trophoblastic disease;
early detection of child development abnormalities;
assessing the completeness of artificial premature termination of pregnancy;
dynamic monitoring in case of threatened miscarriage;
diagnosing neoplasms;
detection of menstrual dysfunction.

In men, the test helps diagnose tumors of the testicles (sex glands).

About hCG analysis on video

How to donate blood for hCG?

The selection of biomaterial for research is carried out in the laboratory center in the morning from the ulnar vein.

On the eve of the procedure, the patient must:

exclude psycho-emotional and physical stress, drinking alcohol;
have dinner no later than 20 o’clock, avoid fatty and spicy foods;
In the morning it is forbidden to drink coffee, juice, have breakfast, or smoke.

It is important to inform the laboratory doctor about the medications taken.

When can you take a blood test for hCG?

The high sensitivity of the research technique makes it possible to determine the presence of pregnancy within a couple of days after a missed period.

However, individual differences in the female body in the process of producing hCG may lead to questionable and false results.

That's why Experienced experts recommend carrying out the test no earlier than a week’s delay and preferably in the morning.

When is the hCG test negative?

Permissible concentration of the hormone in:

men -<3 МЕд/л;
non-pregnant women -<5;
women of the climatic period -<9.

A negative hCG test indicates:

absence of pregnancy;
early testing;
ectopic pregnancy.

HCG levels in the blood by week of pregnancy

In each female body, the concentration of β-hCG changes differently; one study cannot fully reflect the changes that occur. That's why Qualified specialists interpret the test results over time.

Gestational age (weeks from conception)	Normal concentration of β-hCG (IU/l)
1,5 — 3	6,0 – 760
3 — 4	150 — 7100
4 — 5	900 — 31700
5 — 6	3500 — 159000
6 — 7	3190 — 149000
7 — 8	63900 — 154000
8 — 9	45900 — 189000
9 — 11	26900 — 209000
11 — 12	13490 — 62900
13 — 14	1190 — 69000
15 — 25	7900 — 59000
26 — 37	4900 — 5400

Depending on the sensitivity of the methods and the main units of measurement of the test results, different hCG concentration standards may be indicated in different laboratory centers. Comparison of data from studies conducted in different laboratories is unreliable.

Where can I get a blood test for hCG in the Urals Federal District?

The test must be taken at a competent laboratory center.

Region	Approximate cost of analysis (RUB)
Chelyabinsk, Magnitogorsk, Family Doctor clinic	590
Sverdlovskaya, Yekaterinburg, Clinic of Onco-Immunology and Cytokine Therapy	620
Kurganskaya, Kurgan, honey. center "Diamed"	580
Tyumenskaya, Tyumen, clinic "Lymphomed"	570
Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Nadym, honey. center "Vita"	630
Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug - Ugra, Khanty-Mansiysk, Center for Occupational Pathology	560

How long does it take to prepare a blood test for hCG?

There are two test methods:

high quality – provides a “positive” (indicates the presence of pregnancy) or “negative” (characterizes its absence) result;
quantitative – measures the exact concentration of the hormone in the blood.

The turnaround time for the test varies at different laboratory centers, but generally it takes two days.

Can hCG test results be erroneous?

The probability of a laboratory test error is very small, they can be of two types:

"False positive result" indicates a high concentration of hCG in the blood of a woman in the absence of pregnancy. The reasons for this phenomenon may be:

test reaction to similar biologically active substances;
synthesis of hCG by the pituitary gland of the patient being examined;
use of hormonal drugs containing gonadotropin;
tumor processes in the kidneys, digestive and respiratory organs.

"False negative result" indicates a low level of hCG in the blood of a pregnant woman. The main reason for this situation is early testing.

When receiving questionable data, experienced specialists r It is recommended to undergo an ultrasound or CT scan of the pelvic organs, determine the concentration of hCG in the urine and repeat the blood test twice with an interval of three days.

Modern medicine has a number of diagnostic methods that are impressive in their reliability. Laboratory studies determine with amazing accuracy the slightest changes in the most important components in the body. One of them includes human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that is of no small importance during the period of expecting a child. From this article you will learn how long it takes to test for hCG.

Indications for analysis

Normally, the hCG hormone is produced only by embryonic tissues; it begins to be produced at the moment of fetal attachment. Its appearance in the analysis in women who do not intend to become mothers and in men above 5 honey/ml is a signal of possible oncological processes in the body. HCG plays a special role during pregnancy. Since it is this hormone that allows us to determine pathological changes in the body of the expectant mother.

Any instrumental or laboratory examination is for informational purposes only. And it has certain indications for implementation. Regarding the hCG test, conducting a laboratory blood test makes sense if:

there is a prolonged absence of menstruation in a woman;
to determine the duration of pregnancy, 6 days after the expected date of fertilization;
there is a need to establish pathologies - fetal development outside the uterus, multiple pregnancy, arrest in fetal development, or if there is a threat of miscarriage;
there is an assumption that part of the fetus remained during curettage;
scheduled testing at 12 to 14 and 17 to 18 weeks;
to identify fetal malformations. In combination with blood tests for ACE and estradiol levels;
For men, an hCG test is prescribed if testicular cancer is suspected.

Mechanism of action and preparation for analysis

How many days the result will be ready depends on the laboratory and its workload. The process of determining the intensity of the hCG hormone in the blood is quite complex. Since the subsequent actions of the attending physician depend on the reliability of the results. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account all the nuances of each stage of testing for human chorionic gonadotropin:

Preparation process. A blood test for hCG is done early in the morning. You should refrain from eating 4 hours before blood collection. Emotional peace is required, drinking alcohol and smoking is prohibited. Otherwise, deviations in the analysis will be perceived as pathology.
Mechanism of action. Plasma is used as the material for analysis. Blood for hCG is taken from a vein, then it is divided into components in a special way. Next, special reagents are used.

Note! A blood test for hCG to determine pregnancy and its duration can be taken on the 6th day after the expected date of fertilization.

Normal indicators

For an ordinary person, the norm is considered to be no more than 5 honey/ml. The amount of hCG hormone in a woman expecting a baby depends on the stage of pregnancy:

from 1 to 3 weeks - from 25 to 4870;
from 4 to 6 weeks - from 31500 to 151100;
from 7 to 11 weeks - from 20900 to 29100;
from 11 to 16 weeks - from 6140 to 103000;
from 17 to 39 - from 4720 to 80100.

Results can vary greatly between laboratories. You should not decipher on your own and panic because the results do not correspond to the norm. A specialist should decipher the hCG analysis and, if necessary, correct the hormone.

The attending physician will also tell you how long it takes to prepare the result. This usually takes 1 day, in some clinics 3-4 hours. Readiness depends on the individual characteristics of the blood.

What do changes in the indicator indicate?

A deviation towards an increase or decrease indicates the formation of neoplasms in the human body. Most often, high intensity of the hCG hormone is observed in patients with diabetes.

While waiting for a baby, an increase in hCG indicates such pathological changes as:

disorder of the nerve canal in the fetus;
the possibility of developing Down syndrome;
multiple pregnancy;
syncytial endometritis;

A decrease in human chorionic gonadotropin serves as a signal for the development of such conditions as:

threat of miscarriage;
damage to the placenta;
stop in development;
Edwards syndrome.

Non-pathological reasons for changes in hCG in the blood include taking medications that contain this hormone. If the patient has recently taken such medications, it is necessary to warn the specialist about this before taking the test. Because this will help avoid errors in the result.

Changes in hormone levels without pregnancy

The level of hCG in the blood can change in non-pregnant women, as well as in men. This occurs as a result of the following diseases:

Tumors in the testicles, uterus, digestive tract.
When taking hormonal contraceptives.
If little time has passed since the abortion.

Important! For complete reliability, the hCG test is performed twice. The second time 3 days after the first blood draw. After the test, the laboratory assistant notifies the patient how long to wait for the result.

Time to determine the concentration of the hormone in the blood

How to quickly find out about pregnancy. To establish the fact of conception, you can use an alternative method of detecting conception. This includes express strips for pregnant women.

For analysis in this case, urine is used, into which the strip is dipped to the specified level.

If a change occurs and a second line appears on the test, this indicates a positive result. You can do this analysis at home. The test does not give a 100% guarantee, so it is better to use a laboratory method for determining the gestational age.

Let's summarize. Many mothers neglect the hCG analysis, under the assumption that it only establishes the fact of pregnancy. However, as can be seen from the article, the hormone allows you to assess the condition of not only the fetus, but also the expectant mother herself. Therefore, the sooner abnormalities in the development of the fetus are identified, the higher the chance of achieving positive dynamics without harm to both.

HCG level during early pregnancy: low, high. What does a decrease in level indicate?

What else does low hCG mean? Not excluded. This means the following: fertilization took place, but for some reason the body recognized the fetus as unviable and rejected it even before the missed period. A woman, most often, does not even suspect that a new life is maturing in her. True, in some women in this case, menstruation changes its character somewhat (due to the start and failure of implantation):

discharge becomes abundant;
there is pain in the lower abdomen;
The discharge lasts a little longer than usual.

There is no need to regret the termination of such a pregnancy: the body was able to recognize the defects of the unborn fetus that were incompatible with life and eliminated everything without consequences for the life and health of the mother.

Decrease in hCG in early pregnancy

An unfavorable sign is a decrease in hCG levels before the 11th week. HCG drops in early pregnancy for reasons:

beginning miscarriage;
disturbances in the blood supply to the fetus.

If hCG is more than half the normal level, this is a reason to observe the woman for a week. If there are signs of a spontaneous abortion that has begun, the woman is admitted to the hospital for preservation.

Elevated hCG during early pregnancy

It would seem that increased hCG during early pregnancy is good. The fetus has successfully established itself, the hormone is actively released, increases rapidly - everything is fine. Indeed, most often the body can increase the level of the hormone during pregnancy with twins or triplets. In this case, when a multiple pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound, the woman can rejoice - the increase is physiological.

But large hCG also occurs under other circumstances:

development of tumors (including malignant);
Down syndrome in a developing fetus;
other developmental anomalies - in particular, neural tube defects;
hydatidiform mole.

What level of hCG is considered really high - in each specific situation you need to ask your doctor. It is unacceptable to diagnose yourself.

It is imperative to monitor hCG over time, since this hormone is a marker of a normal, progressive pregnancy. If you want to make sure that everything is in order, get tested periodically until the 11th week, and then you will have much less reason to worry. And if the mother is calm, everything will be fine with the child too.

Current video

Description

Determination method Enzyme immunoassay.

Material under study Blood serum

Home visit available

Specific pregnancy hormone.

Glycoprotein is a dimer with a molecular weight of about 46 kDa, synthesized in the syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta. HCG consists of two subunits: alpha and beta. The alpha subunit is identical to the alpha subunits of the pituitary hormones TSH, FSH and LH. The beta subunit (β-hCG), used for the immunometric determination of the hormone, is unique.

The level of beta-hCG in the blood already on days 6 - 8 after conception makes it possible to diagnose pregnancy (the concentration of beta-hCG in the urine reaches the diagnostic level 1 - 2 days later than in the blood serum).

In the first trimester of pregnancy, hCG ensures the synthesis of progesterone and estrogens necessary to maintain pregnancy by the corpus luteum of the ovary. HCG acts on the corpus luteum like luteinizing hormone, that is, it supports its existence. This occurs until the fetus-placenta complex acquires the ability to independently form the necessary hormonal levels. In a male fetus, hCG stimulates Leydig cells, which synthesize testosterone, which is necessary for the formation of male genital organs.

HCG synthesis is carried out by trophoblast cells after embryo implantation and continues throughout pregnancy. During normal pregnancy, between 2 and 5 weeks of pregnancy, the β-hCG content doubles every 1.5 days. The peak concentration of hCG occurs at 10 - 11 weeks of pregnancy, then its concentration begins to slowly decrease. During multiple pregnancies, the hCG content increases in proportion to the number of fetuses.

Reduced concentrations of hCG may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or threatened abortion. Determination of hCG content in combination with other tests (alpha-fetoprotein and free estriol at 15 - 20 weeks of pregnancy, the so-called “triple test”) is used in prenatal diagnosis to identify the risk of fetal developmental abnormalities.

In addition to pregnancy, hCG is used in laboratory diagnostics as a tumor marker for tumors of trophoblastic tissue and germinal cells of the ovaries and testes that secrete human chorionic gonadotropin.

Early diagnosis of pregnancy: determination of hCG levels

What is hCG?

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a special pregnancy hormone, which is an important indicator of the development of pregnancy and its abnormalities. Human chorionic gonadotropin is produced by the cells of the chorion (the membrane of the embryo) immediately after its attachment to the wall of the uterus. Based on a blood test for human chorionic gonadotropin, the doctor determines the presence of chorionic tissue in the body, and therefore the onset of pregnancy in a woman.

When can a test be performed to determine hCG levels?

Determining the level of human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood is the most reliable method for determining pregnancy in the early stages. Human chorionic gonadotropin appears in a woman’s body 5-6 days after fertilization. A common rapid pregnancy test, which every woman can use at home, is also based on the determination of human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine, but the required level of this hormone in the urine to diagnose pregnancy is achieved several days later.

In the absence of any pathology, in the first weeks of pregnancy the level of the hormone doubles every 2 days, and its maximum concentration is reached by 10-11 weeks of pregnancy. After week 11, the hormone level gradually decreases.

An increase in the level of human chorionic gonadotropin during pregnancy can occur with:

multiple births;

toxicosis, gestosis;

maternal diabetes;

fetal pathologies, Down syndrome, multiple developmental defects;

incorrectly determined gestational age;

taking synthetic gestagens, etc.

Elevated values can also be seen within a week when tested after an abortion procedure. A high level of the hormone after a mini-abortion indicates a progressive pregnancy.

Low levels of human chorionic gonadotropin during pregnancy may indicate incorrect timing of pregnancy or be a sign of serious disorders, such as:

ectopic pregnancy;

non-developing pregnancy;

delay in fetal development;

threat of spontaneous abortion;

fetal death (in the II-III trimester of pregnancy).

Determining the level of human chorionic gonadotropin is part of a triple test study, the results of which can be used to judge the presence of certain abnormalities in fetal development, but an accurate diagnosis cannot be made. The study only allows us to identify women at risk. In this case, women will need to undergo serious additional examination.

What is the role of the hCG hormone in the human body?

In addition to establishing the fact of pregnancy, by quantifying the level of this hormone, one can judge the nature of the pregnancy and the presence of multiple pregnancies.

The most important task of human chorionic gonadotropin is to maintain the pregnancy itself. Under its control, the synthesis of the main pregnancy hormones occurs: estrogen and progesterone. In the first trimester, until the placenta is fully formed (up to 16 weeks), human chorionic gonadotropin maintains the normal functional activity of the corpus luteum, namely the production of progesterone.

Another important function of human chorionic gonadotropin is to stimulate ovulation and maintain the viability of the corpus luteum.

When does a doctor order a hCG test?

In addition to diagnosing early pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin is determined by:

in women -

to detect amenorrhea;

eliminating the possibility of ectopic pregnancy;

to assess the completeness of induced abortion;

for dynamic monitoring of pregnancy;

if there is a threat of miscarriage and suspicion of an undeveloped pregnancy;

for the diagnosis of tumors - chorionepithelioma, hydatidiform mole;

for prenatal diagnosis of fetal malformations;

for men -

for the diagnosis of testicular tumors.

How to take a blood test for the hCG hormone?

The independent laboratory INVITRO offers laboratory testing to determine the level of human chorionic gonadotropin.

The test is taken by taking blood from a vein, preferably in the morning and on an empty stomach. A laboratory test is recommended to be carried out no earlier than 4-5 days of missed menstruation, and can also be repeated after 2-3 days to clarify the results. To identify fetal pathology in pregnant women, it is recommended to take the test from 14 to 18 weeks of pregnancy.

In a comprehensive diagnosis of fetal malformations, it is also recommended to take tests to determine the following markers: AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), E3 (free estriol), and also do an ultrasound.

Limits of determination: 1.2 mU/ml-1125000 mU/ml

Preparation

It is preferable to take blood in the morning on an empty stomach, after 8-14 hours of overnight fasting (you can drink water), it is acceptable during the day 4 hours after a light meal.

On the eve of the study, it is necessary to exclude increased psycho-emotional and physical stress (sports training), alcohol intake, and smoking an hour before the study.

The sensitivity of the method in most cases makes it possible to diagnose pregnancy already on the first or second day of delayed menstruation, but due to individual differences in the rate of β-hCG synthesis in women, it is better to conduct the study no earlier than 3-5 days of delayed menstruation in order to avoid false negative results. In case of doubtful results, the test should be repeated twice with an interval of 2-3 days. When determining the completeness of removal of an ectopic pregnancy or abortion, a β-hCG test is carried out 1-2 days after surgery to exclude a false-positive result.

Interpretation of results

Interpretation of research results contains information for the attending physician and is not a diagnosis. The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. The doctor makes an accurate diagnosis using both the results of this examination and the necessary information from other sources: medical history, results of other examinations, etc.

Units of measurement in the INVITRO laboratory: honey/ml.

Alternative units of measurement: U/l.

Unit conversion: U/l = mU/ml.

Reference values

Pregnant women

Gestational age, weeks from conception	HCG level, honey/ml
2	25 - 300
3	1 500 - 5 000
4	10 000 - 30 000
5	20 000 - 100 000
6 - 11	20 000 - > 225 000
12	19 000 - 135 000
13	18 000 - 110 000
14	14 000 - 80 000
15	12 000 - 68 000
16	10 000 - 58 000
17 - 18	8 000 - 57 000
19	7 000 - 49 000
20 - 28	1 600 - 49 000

Values ranging from 5 to 25 mU/ml do not confirm or refute pregnancy and require re-examination after 2 days.

Increased hCG levels

Men and non-pregnant women:

chorionic carcinoma, recurrence of chorionic carcinoma;
hydatidiform mole, relapse of hydatidiform mole;
seminoma;
testicular teratoma;
neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract (including colorectal cancer);
neoplasms of the lungs, kidneys, uterus, etc.;
the study was carried out within 4 - 5 days after the abortion;
taking hCG drugs.

Pregnant women:

multiple pregnancy (the level of the indicator increases in proportion to the number of fetuses);
prolonged pregnancy;
discrepancy between the actual and established gestational age;
early toxicosis of pregnant women, gestosis;
maternal diabetes;
chromosomal pathology of the fetus (most often with Down syndrome, multiple fetal malformations, etc.);
taking synthetic gestagens.

Decrease in hCG levels

Pregnant women. Alarming changes in level: discrepancy with the gestational age, extremely slow increase or no increase in concentration, progressive decrease in level, more than 50% of the norm:

ectopic pregnancy;
non-developing pregnancy;
threat of interruption (hormone levels decrease progressively by more than 50% of normal);
chronic placental insufficiency;
true post-term pregnancy;
antenatal fetal death (in the II - III trimesters).

False negative results (non-detection of hCG during pregnancy):

the test was carried out too early;
ectopic pregnancy.

Attention! The test has not been specifically validated for use as a tumor marker. HCG molecules secreted by tumors can have both a normal and altered structure, which is not always detected by the test system. Test results should be interpreted with caution and cannot be taken as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of disease when compared with clinical findings and other examination results.