HCG (qualitative - serum)

Alternative names:

beta-HCG - qualitative - serum; human chorionic gonadotrophin - qualitative - serum; pregnancy test - blood; qualitative serum beta-HCG; serum HCG

What the risks are:

• excessive bleeding
• fainting or feeling lightheaded
• hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• multiple punctures to locate veins

Special considerations:

False positive tests may occur when certain hormones are increased (such as are present after menopause or when taking hormone supplements).

A pregnancy test is considered to be about 98% accurate. When the test is negative but pregnancy is still suspected, the test should be repeated in 1 week.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.