The hCG hormone is secreted into the maternal circulation after implantation of the egg. The blood test that detects the beta unit of this hormone is qualitative when it indicates the presence or absence of the hormone and quantitative when it indicates the amount of hormone present in circulation.
O qualitative examination usually sufficient to detect the presence of gestation and its result may come out faster. The quantitative examination may be helpful to indicate the gestational week, but may not be available in some laboratories, and it will take a few extra hours to release the result.
The variation in hormone amounts is large and the normal value can be between 5,000 IU / L and 150,000 IU / L. The peak hCG concentration occurs between the 8th and 10th week of gestation, averaging between 60,000 IU / L and 90,000 IU / L. After the 10th week, there is a drop in hormone concentration, averaging 12,000 IU / L (ranging from 2,000 IU / L to 50,000 IU / L). From the 20th week, hCG values remain relatively constant until the end of gestation.
Another useful quantitative hCG beta is in the control of gestational trophoblastic disease, ectopic pregnancy and abortion.
It is important to take the result so that the doctor can interpret and carry out the necessary follow-up in each situation.
