1018. β-hCG total (human chorionic gonadotropin total) - prenatal
Important information
*For pregnant women at 5-18 weeks of gestation included
Description
Total β-hCG is a hormone produced by the chorion during pregnancy. Prenatal testing is performed between weeks 5 and 18 to confirm pregnancy, monitor its progress, and diagnose ectopic and multiple pregnancies and antenatal fetal death. It is part of the triple test (with free estriol and AFP) for second-trimester screening.
When and who needs the test?
- To confirm pregnancy from the 5th week of gestation, when ultrasound signs may still be subtle.
- If ultrasound does not visualize a gestational sac, but there are clinical signs of pregnancy.
- If an ectopic pregnancy or implantation failure is suspected.
- To monitor the progress of the pregnancy, particularly if there is a risk of miscarriage or intrauterine fetal death.
- If there are symptoms that may indicate trophoblastic disease (hydatidiform mole, choriocarcinoma).
- In the second trimester (15-20 weeks) – as part of triple prenatal screening, along with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and free estriol, to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
Biological material
- Venous blood
Preparing for a blood test
In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules:
- an important condition for laboratory tests is to take blood on an empty stomach.
- 6-12 hours before the test, you should avoid eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, and limit physical activity. Drinking...
Cheaper in a package