How to measure HCG
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy and is an important indicator of early pregnancy testing. In recent years, with the popularization of health knowledge and the development of medical technology, HCG measurement has become a hot topic of concern to women preparing for pregnancy and expectant mothers. This article will introduce in detail the measurement methods, precautions and related data of HCG to help everyone better understand this important indicator.
How to measure HCG
HCG is measured mainly through blood tests and urine tests. Here are detailed instructions for both methods:
| Measurement method | Applicable scenarios | Sensitivity | Detection time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood test (serum HCG) | hospital or laboratory | High (can detect HCG levels as low as 1 mIU/mL) | 7-12 days after conception |
| Urine test (home pregnancy test) | home self-assessment | Lower (usually requires HCG level to reach 20-50 mIU/mL) | About 14 days after conception |
Precautions for HCG measurement
1.Detection time:HCG levels gradually increase after conception and are usually not detectable in the blood until 7-12 days after conception, while urine testing takes longer (about 14 days). Testing too early can lead to false negative results.
2.Detection frequency:If changes in HCG levels need to be monitored (such as to confirm pregnancy or exclude ectopic pregnancy), it is recommended to conduct two blood tests 48 hours apart to observe the doubling of HCG levels.
3.Detection method selection:Blood testing is more accurate and suitable for people who need to confirm pregnancy early or monitor changes in HCG levels; urine testing is convenient and fast, and is suitable for home self-testing.
Normal range of HCG levels
HCG levels change with gestational age during pregnancy. The following are normal reference ranges for HCG levels:
| weeks of gestation | HCG level (mIU/mL) |
|---|---|
| 3 weeks | 5-50 |
| 4 weeks | 5-426 |
| 5 weeks | 18-7,340 |
| 6 weeks | 1,080-56,500 |
| 7-8 weeks | 7,650-229,000 |
| 9-12 weeks | 25,700-288,000 |
Possible causes of abnormal HCG measurements
1.HCG levels are too low:It may be a sign of a short pregnancy, abnormal embryonic development, or an ectopic pregnancy.
2.HCG levels are too high:It could be a multiple pregnancy, molar pregnancy, or other pregnancy-related conditions.
3.HCG levels do not double:If HCG levels do not double within 48 hours, it may indicate abnormal embryonic development or risk of miscarriage.
Conclusion
HCG measurement is an important detection method in early pregnancy. Whether through blood or urine testing, it can provide valuable information to women preparing for pregnancy and expectant mothers. However, the interpretation of HCG levels needs to be based on specific circumstances, and it is recommended to conduct testing and analysis under the guidance of a doctor. I hope this article can help everyone better understand HCG measurement and protect a healthy pregnancy.
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