Special Chemistry

Description  

This test measures alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the blood. AFP is a protein produced primarily by fetal liver and the portion of a developing embryo that is similar to the yolk cavity in bird eggs (yolk sac tissues). AFP concentrations are typically elevated when a baby is born and then decline rapidly. In healthy children and non-pregnant adults, AFP is normally only detectable at very low levels. Liver damage and certain cancers can increase AFP concentrations significantly. AFP is used as a tumor marker to help detect and diagnose cancers of the liver, testes, and ovaries. Though the test is often ordered to monitor people with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C because they have an increased lifetime risk of developing liver cancer, most current guidelines do not recommend this use. A doctor may order an AFP test, along with imaging studies, to try to detect liver cancer when it is in its earliest and most treatable stages. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  Less than 7.0 ng/ml 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

The ethanol/alcohol test is used for both medical and legal purposes. The goal of medical testing is to identify the presence of alcohol in order to effectively treat the intoxicated person’s symptoms. For medical purposes, blood, and sometimes urine, alcohol tests are used to detect the presence of ethanol and to evaluate its concentration. Often, one or more tests additional tests may be performed as there are a variety of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Additional drug testing and testing for the presence of other more toxic alcohols (such as methanol and isopropyl alcohol) may also be performed if the use of other substances is suspected. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  – – – 

Frequency:  Daily 

Description 

Your thyroid is an endocrine gland located in your neck. It is responsible for releasing hormones that control your metabolism. The thyroid gland produces a number of different proteins, including thyroglobulin. This protein helps produce the hormones released by the thyroid gland. The presence of an autoimmune system disorder can cause disruptions in how this protein is produced. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system begins attacking your healthy cells and tissues. When your immune system attacks thyroglobulin, a corresponding antibody is produced. This antibody is known as the antithyroglobulin antibody. The antithyroglobulin antibody test is used to measure whether or not you have this antibody in your bloodstream. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  – – – 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that lies flat against the windpipe in the throat. Thyroid antibody (TPO) testing is primarily ordered to help diagnose an autoimmune thyroid disease and to distinguish it from other forms of thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid autoantibodies are antibodies that develop when a person’s immune system mistakenly targets components of the thyroid gland or thyroid proteins, leading to chronic inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis), tissue damage, and/or disruption of thyroid function. These tests detect the presence and measure the quantity of specific thyroid autoantibodies. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  – – –  

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

CA-125 is primarily used to monitor therapy during treatment for ovarian cancer. CA-125 is also used to detect whether cancer has come back after treatment is complete. A series of CA-125 tests that shows rising or falling concentrations is often more useful than a single result. CA-125 is sometimes used to test and monitor high-risk women who have a family history of ovarian cancer but who do not yet have the disease. The Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) test measures the amount of CA-125 in the blood. CA-125 is a protein that is present on the surface of most, but not all, ovarian cancer cells. This makes the test useful as a tumor marker in specific circumstances. Significantly elevated concentrations of CA-125 may be present in the blood of a woman who has ovarian cancer. Small quantities of CA-125 are produced by normal tissues throughout the body and by some other cancers. Levels in the blood may be moderately elevated with a variety of non-cancerous conditions, including menstruation, pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  Less than 35.0 U/ml 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a protein that is produced by normal breast cells. In many people with cancerous breast tumors, there is an increased production of CA 15-3 and the related cancer antigen 27.29. CA 15-3 does not cause cancer; rather, it is shed by the tumor cells and enters the bloodstream, making it useful as a tumor marker to follow the course of the cancer. CA 15-3 is not sensitive or specific enough to be considered useful as a tool for cancer screening. Its main use is to monitor a person’s response to breast cancer treatment and to help watch for breast cancer recurrence. CA 15-3 is sometimes ordered to give a doctor a general sense of how much cancer may be present (the tumor burden). CA 15-3 can only be used as a marker if the cancer is producing elevated amounts of it, so this test will not be useful for all people with breast cancer. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  Less than 30.0 U/ml 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

CA 19-9 is not sensitive or specific enough to use as a screening test for cancer, and it is not diagnostic of a specific type of cancer. Its main use is as a tumor marker to help differentiate between cancer of the pancreas and other conditions (such as pancreatitis), to monitor a person’s response to pancreatic cancer treatment and/or cancer progression and to watch for pancreatic cancer recurrence. CA 19-9 can only be used as a tumor marker if the cancer is producing elevated amounts of it. Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a protein that exists on the surface of certain cancer cells. CA 19-9 does not cause cancer; rather, it is shed by the tumor cells, making it useful as a tumor marker to follow the course of the cancer. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  Less than 37.0 U/ml 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein that is present in certain tissues of a developing baby (fetus). By the time a baby is born, it drops to a very low level. In adults, CEA is normally present at very low concentrations in blood but may be elevated in certain types of cancer. This test measures the amount of CEA in the blood to help evaluate individuals diagnosed with cancer. This test is primarily performed to monitor cancer treatment, including response to therapy and recurrence; as an indicator of the amount of cancer or size of tumor present (tumor burden) and to assist in determining prognosis and cancer staging; to determine if cancer has spread (metastasis); occasionally as follow up to a positive screening test for cancer, to help determine whether cancer is present in the body, though it is not useful as a general population screening test. CEA is a tumor marker for a wide variety of cancers. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference  

• Non-smokers: less than 5.0 ng/ml 
• Smokers: less than 10.0 ng/ml 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

A cortisol test may be performed to screen for and help diagnose Cushing syndrome (a group of signs and symptoms associated with excess cortisol) and to help diagnose adrenal insufficiency and Addison disease (conditions in which the adrenal glands do not function properly). Cortisol is a hormone plays a role in the metabolism of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. It affects blood glucose levels, helps maintain blood pressure, and helps regulate the immune system. Most cortisol in the blood is bound to a protein; only a small percentage is “free” and biologically active. Free cortisol is excreted into the urine and is present in the saliva. This test measures the amount of cortisol in the blood, urine, or saliva. The level of cortisol in the blood normally rises and falls in a “diurnal variation” pattern. It peaks early in the morning, then declines throughout the day, reaching its lowest level about midnight. This pattern can change when a person works irregular shifts (such as the night shift) and sleeps at different times of the day, and it can become disrupted when a disease or condition either limits or stimulates cortisol production. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  Between 5 µg/dl en 25 µg/dl 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

Valproic acid is a drug that is used primarily to control certain seizures by lessening their severity and frequency. It may be prescribed in combination with other antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin or phenobarbital. The valproic acid level in the blood must be maintained within a narrow therapeutic range. This test measures the level of valproic acid in the blood to determine whether the drug concentration is within the therapeutic range.. Seizure disorders affect the brain’s ability to transmit electrical impulses and to regulate nerve activity. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  Between 50 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml 

Frequency:  Daily 

Description 

Digoxin is a drug used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. Heart failure, including congestive heart failure (CHF), causes the heart to become less effective at circulating blood. As a result, blood backs up into the legs, hands, feet, lungs and liver, causing swelling, shortness of breath, and fatigue. This test measures the amount of digoxin in the blood. Digoxin is prescribed to alleviate some symptoms of heart failure. It strengthens the contractions of the heart and helps it to pump blood more efficiently. Digoxin also helps control the heart rate and abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias. It will not cure heart failure or arrhythmias, which are chronic conditions, but can help to manage the symptoms along with diet, exercise, and other medications. Digoxin levels must be monitored because the drug has a narrow safety range. If the level in the blood is too low, symptoms may recur. If the level is too high, toxicity may occur. Digoxin dosage may be adjusted based on levels measured. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  Between 0.8 µg/ml and 2.0 µg/ml 

Frequency:  Daily 

Description 

Phenytoin is a drug that is used to treat some seizure disorders (see Epilepsy), including complex partial seizures (psychomotor seizures) and seizures that occur during or after neurosurgery. Phenytoin may be used alone or with phenobarbital or other anticonvulsants. This test measures the amount of phenytoin in the blood to determine whether drug concentrations are in the therapeutic range. Seizure disorders affect the brain’s ability to transmit electrical impulses and to regulate nerve activity. During a seizure, someone may experience changes in consciousness, alterations in sight, smell, and taste, and may experience uncontrolled muscular convulsions in one or more parts of the body. Phenytoin works by reducing the electrical conductance among brain cells, blocking excessive electrochemical activity occurring in the brain during a seizure. Anyone can experience a seizure at any age. 

Sample:  Blood (serum); urine 

Reference:  – – – 

Frequency:  Daily 

Description 

Estrogen tests are used to detect a deficiency or excess in a woman and to help diagnose a variety of conditions associated with this imbalance. They may also be used to help determine the timing of a woman’s ovulation and may be ordered to monitor the health status of the developing baby and placenta during pregnancy. In a man, estrogen testing may be performed to detect a hormone excess and its cause. Estrogens are a group of steroids that are responsible for the development and function of reproductive organs and the formation of secondary sex characteristics in women. Along with another hormone, progesterone, they help regulate the menstrual cycle, are involved in the growth of breasts and the uterus, and help maintain a healthy pregnancy. Though considered the main sex hormones for women, they are also found in men and play a role in bone metabolism and growth in both sexes. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference  

• Female in Foll. Phase: between 5 pg/ml and 160 pg/ml 
• Female in Mid. Cycle: between 34 pg/ml and 400 pg/ml 
• Female in Lut. Phase: between 27 pg/ml and 246 pg/ml 
• Female in Menopause:, between 5 pg/ml and 30 pg/ml 
• Male: between 5 pg/ml and 56 pg/ml 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

If prostate cancer is diagnosed, the total PSA test may be used as a monitoring tool to help determine the effectiveness of treatment. It may also be ordered at regular intervals after treatment to detect recurrence of the cancer. The total PSA test and digital rectal exam (DRE) may be used to screen both asymptomatic and symptomatic men for prostate cancer. If either the PSA or the DRE are found to be abnormal, then the doctor may choose to follow this testing with a prostate biopsy and perhaps imaging tests, such as an ultrasound. If the DRE is normal but the PSA is moderately elevated, the doctor may order a free PSA test to look at the ratio of free to total PSA. This can help to distinguish between prostate cancer and other non-cancer causes of elevated PSA. Since the total PSA test can be elevated temporarily for a variety of reasons, a doctor may order another PSA a few weeks after the first to determine if the PSA is still elevated. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  – – – 

Frequency:  Daily 

Description 

This test measures the amount of thyroxine, or T4, in the blood. T4 is one of two major hormones produced by the thyroid gland; the other is called triiodothyronine, or T3. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located just below the Adam’s apple. This gland plays a vital role in controlling metabolism, the rate energy is used. The most common causes of thyroid dysfunction are autoimmune-related. The free T4 test is a relatively new test that is not affected by protein levels. Since free T4 is the active form of thyroxine, the free T4 test is thought by many to be a more accurate reflection of thyroid hormone function and, in most cases, its use has replaced that of the total T4 test. Whichever thyroxine measurement is performed (T3 or T4), it is usually performed along with or following a TSH test. 

Sample:  Blood  

Reference:  Between 0.7 ng/dl and 1.8 ng/dl 

Frequency:  Daily 

Description 

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone associated with reproduction and the development of eggs in women and sperm in men. This test measures FSH in the blood or urine. In women, FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of eggs (follicles) in the ovaries during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. In men, FSH stimulates the testicles to produce mature sperm and also promotes the production of androgen binding proteins. FSH levels are relatively constant in men after puberty. In infants and children, FSH levels rise shortly after birth and then fall to very low levels by 6 months in boys and 1-2 years in girls. Concentrations begin to rise again before the beginning of puberty and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Disorders affecting the hypothalamus, pituitary, and/or the ovaries or testicles can cause the production of too much or too little FSH, resulting in a variety of conditions such as infertility, abnormal menstrual cycles, or early (precocious) or delayed sexual maturation (puberty). 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference  

• Female in Foll. Phase: between 3 mlU/ml and 11 mlU/ml 
• Female in Mid. Cycl.: between 6 mlU/ml and 21 mlU/ml 
• Female in Lut. Phase: between 1 mlU/ml and 9 mlU/ml 
• Female in Menopause: between 22 mlU/ml and 153 mlU/ml  
• Male, between 1 mlU/ml and 11 mlU/ml 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

This test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone in the blood or urine. Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone associated with reproduction and the stimulation of the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation) in women and testosterone production in men. LH is produced by the pituitary gland, a grape-sized organ found at the base of the brain. Control of LH production is a complex system involving the hypothalamus in the brain, the pituitary gland, and the hormones produced by the ovaries and testicles. This test is performed to evaluate fertility issues, function of reproductive organs (ovaries or testicles), or to detect the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation); to evaluate pituitary function. In children it’s performed to evaluate early or delayed sexual maturation (puberty). 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference  

• Female in Foll. Phase: between 1 mlU/ml and 12 mlU/ml 
• Female in Mid. Cycl.: between 17 mlU/ml and 77 mlU/ml 
• Female in Lut. Phase: between 1 mlU/ml and 15 mlU/ml 
• Female in Menopause: between 11 mlU/ml and 40 mlU/ml 
• Male, between 1 mlU/ml and 8 mlU/ml 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

Lithium is one of the most well established, and widely used drugs prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder. This test measures the amount of lithium in the blood so health care providers can determine whether drug concentrations are in the therapeutic range. Bipolar disorder is a mental condition characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania. These periods may be as short as a few days or weeks or as long as months or years. During a depressive episode, those affected may feel sad, hopeless, worthless, and lose interest in daily activities. They may be fatigued but have trouble sleeping, experience weight loss or gain, have difficulty concentrating, and have thoughts of suicide. During a manic episode, those affected may be euphoric, irritable, have high energy and grandiose ideas, use poor judgment, and participate in risky behaviors. Sometimes affected people will have mixed episodes with aspects of both mania and depression. Bipolar disorder can affect both adults and children. Lithium is prescribed to even out the moods of a person with bipolar disorder. It is often called a “mood stabilizer”. 

Sample:  – – – 

Reference:  – – – 

Frequency:  – – – 

Description 

This test measures the level of phenobarbital in the blood to determine whether the drug level is within a therapeutic range.. Phenobarbital is a barbiturate, an antiepileptic drug (AED) and sedating drug that depresses the nervous system. Doctors usually prescribe it to prevent seizures or to relieve anxiety. It is often prescribed to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders because the drug stabilizes electrical activity in the brain. It is important to maintain a stable level of phenobarbital in the blood within the therapeutic range. If the level is too low, the person who is being treated may experience seizures or anxiety. If the level is too high, the individual could experience side effects or even toxicity. 

Sample:  – – – 

Reference:  – – – 

Frequency:  – – – 

Description 

This test is performed to help determine the cause of infertility, track ovulation, help diagnose an ectopic or failing pregnancy, monitor the health of a pregnancy, monitor progesterone replacement therapy, or help diagnose the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. It measures the level of progesterone in the blood. Progesterone is a steroid hormone whose main role is to help prepare a woman’s body for pregnancy. It works in conjunction with several other female hormones. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, progesterone levels drop, and menstrual bleeding begins. If a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone, with the egg forming a trophoblast that produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). After several weeks, the placenta replaces the corpus luteum as the main source of progesterone, producing relatively large amounts of the hormone throughout the rest of a normal pregnancy. Progesterone is also produced in males but at a much lower level. Its function involves the development of sperm. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference  

• Female in Foll. Phase: between 20 ng/dl and 150 ng/dl 
• Female in Lut. Phase: between 170 ng/dl and 2700 ng/dl 
• Male: between 20 ng/dl and 140 ng/dl 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland, a grape-sized organ found at the base of the brain. Its primary role is to help initiate and maintain breast milk production in pregnant and nursing women. Normally present in low amounts in men and non-pregnant women, prolactin’s primary role is to promote lactation (breast milk production). This test measures the amount of prolactin in the blood. A common cause of an abnormally elevated prolactin level is a prolactinoma, a tumor of the pituitary gland that causes excess production of prolactin. Prolactinoma is the most common type of pituitary tumor and is usually benign. They develop more frequently in women but are also found in men. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference  

• Female: between 4 ng/ml and 37 ng/ml 
• Male: between 2 ng/ml and 17 ng/ml 

Frequency:  Twice a week 

Description 

If prostate cancer is diagnosed, the total PSA test may be used as a monitoring tool to help determine the effectiveness of treatment. It may also be ordered at regular intervals after treatment to detect recurrence of the cancer. The total PSA test and digital rectal exam (DRE) may be used to screen both asymptomatic and symptomatic men for prostate cancer. If either the PSA or the DRE are found to be abnormal, then the doctor may choose to follow this testing with a prostate biopsy and perhaps imaging tests, such as an ultrasound. If the DRE is normal but the PSA is moderately elevated, the doctor may order a free PSA test to look at the ratio of free to total PSA. This can help to distinguish between prostate cancer and other non-cancer causes of elevated PSA. Since the total PSA test can be elevated temporarily for a variety of reasons, a doctor may order another PSA a few weeks after the first to determine if the PSA is still elevated. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference  

• Younger than 50 years old: less than 2.5 ng/ml 
• Between 50 and 60 years old: less than 3.5 ng/ml 
• Between 60 and 70 years old: less than 4.5 ng/ml 
• Older than 70 years old: less than 6.5 ng/ml 

Frequency:  Daily 

Description 

The so-called intact PTH is the most frequently ordered parathyroid hormone test. It is used to help diagnose the cause of a low or high calcium level and to help distinguish between parathyroid-related and non-parathyroid-related causes. It may also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment when an individual has a parathyroid-related condition. PTH is routinely monitored for people with chronic kidney disease or who are on dialysis. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) helps the body maintain stable levels of calcium in the blood. It is part of a feedback loop that includes calcium, PTH, vitamin D, and, to some extent, phosphorus (phosphate) and magnesium. Conditions and diseases that disrupt this feedback loop can cause inappropriate elevations or decreases in calcium and PTH levels and lead to symptoms of hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia. This test measures the amount of PTH in the blood. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  Between 8 pg/ml and 74 pg/ml 

Frequency:  Daily 

Description 

Carbamazepine is a drug that is primarily used to treat certain seizure disorders (also called epilepsy) but is also prescribed to stabilize the moods of people with bipolar disease, to ease alcohol withdrawal, and to help alleviate some types of nerve pain. It may be prescribed by itself or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs. This test measures the level of carbamazepine in the blood. Carbamazepine levels are monitored because the drug must be maintained within a narrow therapeutic range. If the level is too low, the person may experience a recurrence of symptoms (i.e., seizures, mania, or pain); if the level is too high, the person may experience toxic side effects. 

Sample:  Blood  

Reference:  Between 4 µg/ml and 8 µg/ml 

Frequency:  Daily 

Description 

This test is performed to detect an abnormal testosterone level in males and females; in males, to help diagnose the cause of erectile dysfunction, the inability of your partner to get pregnant (infertility), or premature or delayed puberty; in females, to help diagnose the cause of masculine physical features (virilization), infertility, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Testosterone is a steroid hormone (androgen) produced by special endocrine tissue (the Leydig cells) in the male testicles. It is also produced by the adrenal glands in both males and females and, in small amounts, by the ovaries in females. This test measures the level of testosterone in the blood. In males, testosterone stimulates development of secondary sex characteristics, including enlargement of the penis, growth of body hair, muscle development, and a deepening voice. It is present in large amounts in males during puberty and in adult males to regulate the sex drive and maintain muscle mass. In women, testosterone is converted to estradiol, the main sex hormone in females. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference  

• Female: between 14 ng/dl and 86 ng/dl 
• Male: between 350 ng/dl and 1008 ng/dl 

Frequency:  Daily 

Description 

Theophylline and caffeine are methylxanthines – drugs that ease breathing and stimulate respiration. These tests measure the amount of theophylline or caffeine in the blood to help establish an appropriate dose and to maintain a therapeutic level. Theophylline is one of several medications that may be taken by children and adults who have asthma and by adults who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a bronchodilator with a narrow therapeutic window – too little theophylline is ineffective, too much can cause toxicity. Chronic theophylline toxicity is associated with an increased risk of seizures. Both acute and chronic toxicity can be life threatening. Theophylline may also be prescribed to treat apnea in premature neonates, but caffeine citrate is the preferred medication. Apnea compromises the amount of oxygen available to the body. 

Sample:  – – – 

Reference:  – – – 

Frequency:  – – – 

Description 

The TSH test is often the test of choice for evaluating thyroid function and/or symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. It is frequently ordered along with or preceding a T4 test. The TSH test is often the test of choice for evaluating thyroid function and/or symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. It is frequently ordered along with or preceding a T4 test. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  Between 0.3 µlU/ml and 4.5 µlU/ml 

Frequency:  Daily 

Description 

Vitamin D is a family of compounds that is essential for the proper growth and formation of teeth and bones. This test measures the level of vitamin D in the blood to determine if you have a vitamin D deficiency or if you are receiving adequate vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The main role of vitamin D is to help regulate blood levels of calcium, phosphorus, and (to a lesser extent) magnesium. Vitamin D is vital for the growth and health of bone; without it, bones will be soft, malformed, and unable to repair themselves normally, resulting in diseases called rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Vitamin D has also been shown to influence the growth and differentiation of many other tissues and to help regulate the immune system. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  Between 50 nmol/l and 150nmol/l 

Frequency:  Once a week 

Description 

Quantitative hCG testing, often called beta hCG, measures the 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. A quantitative hCG test may also be ordered to help diagnose gestational 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. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced in the placenta of a pregnant woman. A pregnancy test is a specific blood or urine test that can detect hCG and confirm pregnancy. This hormone can be detected 10 days after a missed menstrual period, the time period when the fertilized egg is implanted in the woman’s uterus. With some methods, hCG can be detected even earlier, at one week after conception. During the early weeks of pregnancy, hCG is important in maintaining function of the corpus luteum. Production of hCG increases steadily during the first trimester (8–10 weeks) of a normal pregnancy, peaking around the 10th week after the last menstrual cycle. Levels then fall slowly during the remainder of the pregnancy. hCG is no longer detectable within a few weeks after delivery. 

Sample:  Blood (serum) 

Reference:  – – – 

Frequency:  Daily