Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Quantitative Serum Beta-HCG - Serum Pregnancy Test
Results and Values
What do the test results mean?
Greater than normal levels of HCG may indicate:
Lower-than-normal HCG levels may indicate:
The test may fail to detect HCG even when a woman is pregnant if the test is done too early. It takes at least 7 days after fertilization for the test to become positive. In most cases, by the time a woman has missed her period, the test will be positive if she is pregnant.
A normal pattern of HCG levels over time is expected in a healthy pregnancy. The level of HCG increases throughout the first trimester, then gradually decreases over time. In the first trimester, a woman may have this test done repeatedly to see if the level rises normally. If it doesn't, the pregnancy is often considered in trouble. After childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion, the level should quickly decrease to zero.
This test can also be measured repeatedly if there is a tumor or cancer of the placenta or ovary in some cases. This test can only be used if the tumor or cancer caused the level of HCG to be high. This can happen in some tumors that actually make HCG. After treatment of the tumor or cancer, the level should go back down to zero. If it doesn't, the tumor or cancer may still be present in the body and more treatment may be needed.