Description
Qualitative hCG testing is routinely used to confirm pregnancy. Quantitative hCG testing (also frequently called beta hCG), measures the actual amount of hCG present in the blood. It may be ordered to help diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, to help diagnose and monitor a pregnancy that may be failing, and or to monitor a woman after a miscarriage. In addition, a quantitative hCG test may be ordered to diagnose trophoblastic disease or germ cell tumors of the testes or ovary. It may be ordered at regular intervals to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions and to detect tumor recurrence.