A blood pregnancy test is a medical test used to determine if a woman is pregnant by detecting the presence of the hormone hCG in her blood. Shortly after the fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining, the developing placenta produces the hormone known as hCG. This test is the Quantitative hCG test (also known as a beta hCG test) and measures the specific amount of hCG present in the blood. It can help determine how far along a pregnancy is, monitor the progress of the pregnancy, and detect potential issues like an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage.
Blood pregnancy tests are more sensitive than over-the-counter urine pregnancy tests and can detect pregnancy earlier – as soon as 6 to 8 days after ovulation.
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The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) blood test measures the level of LDH in your blood. LDH is an enzyme in many body organs and tissues, including the heart, liver, muscles, and red blood cells. The LDH test is often used to help diagnose and monitor various medical conditions, such as anemia, heart attack, and liver disease. It may also be ordered to check for tissue damage or monitor treatment effectiveness for specific conditions. Since lactic dehydrogenase is present in many body tissues, its diagnostic usefulness is limited. Tissue specificity may be enhanced by LDH isoenzyme analysis.
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The CA 125 level can help doctors understand how to manage patients with ovarian cancer. However, the CA 125 blood test is not advised for women who are at average risk for ovarian cancer.
Women with ovarian cancer usually have high levels of CA 125. However, a high CA 125 level does not always mean you have ovarian cancer. Some women who have ovarian cancer may never show a high CA 125 level.
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