HCG blood test - qualitative Health Article

Definition

A qualitative HCG blood test checks to see if there is a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin in your blood. HCG is a hormone normally produced during pregnancy.

See also:

• HCG urine test
• Quantitative pregnancy test (reveals specific level of HCG in your blood)

Alternative Names

Beta-HCG in blood serum - qualitative; Human chorionic gonadotrophin - serum - qualitative; Pregnancy test - blood - qualitative; Serum HCG - qualitative; HCG in blood serum - qualitative

How the test is performed

Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.

Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

How to prepare for the test

No special preparation is usually necessary.

How the test will feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed

Most often, this test is performed to determine if you are pregnant or not. The serum HCG level may also be high in women with certain types of ovarian tumors or men with testicular tumors.

Normal Values

• The test is negative if you are not pregnant.
• The test is positive if you are pregnant.

What abnormal results mean

If your serum HCG is positive and you do not have a pregnancy properly implanted in the uterus, it may indicate:

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Testicular cancer (in men)
• Trophoblastic tumor
• Hydatidiform mole
• Ovarian cancer