question about blood pgcy test

LAMom · 08-22-2008, 01:32 PM

Hi,

Does anyone know how sensitive the qualitative hcg beta test is?

I thought that I was going in today for a quantitative (with actual beta #s), but when I looked at the lab order sheet, it read "qualitative" only.

Just wondering.......! If I'm already having negative urine hpts at home, won't the blood qualitative be just as informative?

Thanks,

LAMom

**BC-DKNY** · 08-22-2008, 03:59 PM

LAMom....i think the blood test would pick up any hcg in your blood at all. it must be ultra sensitive since it can pick up a number as low as 4.

i can't imagine why they wouldn't have ordered a quantitative tho. are you sure it said qualitative?

LAMom · 08-23-2008, 08:03 AM

I know, Dina. I was wondering the same thing. I looked at it twice, though, on the lab order. The "qualitative" box was right above the "quanititative" one.....but "qualitative" was the one checked.

I guess that the nurse was just "humoring" me. Sigh. I really hope that I am one of those odd cases that just don't register a positive hpt.......because I will MAKE SURE to mention that fact to her, should it happen!

Anyway, I was hoping that the qualitative hcg tests are AS sensitive as the quantitative ones.....

I'm feeling good.....a little nauseaus yesterday.....but, that could also be from all of the anxiety of the day. I did feel pretty flustered after I spoke with the nurse on the phone.

Monday seems like a really long way off!!!

Thanks again for staying with me on this one!

LAMom

**BC-Maura** · 08-24-2008, 09:56 AM

Hi LAMom: Here is a blurb from the fertilityplus website:

"Q: Which is more accurate, a urine test or a blood test?

A: A blood test is more accurate, but not necessarily more sensitive. A lot depends on the lab. A quantitative blood test, usually called a beta hCG test, measures the exact units of hCG in the blood. That means it will detect even the most minimal level. There is another type of blood test sometimes called a qualitative hCG. This is a test that simply gives a yes or no answer to whether you are pregnant. Just like urine tests, labs vary as to what is considered a positive pregnancy test. Common cutoffs for positive are 5, 10, and 25 units. A level under 5 is considered negative. A test that is only triggered at 25 units of hCG is not any more sensitive than several of the urine HPTs."

So, if it comes back negative, make sure you ask what the sensitivity level of the qual. test is!

Good luck and keep us posted++++++++
Maura

JerseyGirl16 · 08-24-2008, 07:16 PM

LAMom!! I am just catching up reading the boards tonight, and see what interesting reading I have?? I waffle between not wanting to be here, and not being able to stay away. It's hard to quit, ya know? I found myself noting my EWCM today, almost right on schedule, given it's been about 15 days since the D&E.

ANYWAY... First of all, I am so sorry that the nurse was such a B!! Honestly, I don't get how they can be that way sometimes. I realize that they have "seen it all" and everything, but COME ON!! I work in a hospital and I hope that I never EVER make a patient feel that way. It shouldn't be so hard to get compassion for your situation and how you are feeling. You ought to mention it to the doctor the next time you are get into see him/her.

Second - wow, I can't believe you are still going through all this! I am crossing my fingers that it's all for SUPER GOOD cause! I can't wait til tomorrow to get your update!

Hugs to you while you wait!

Beth

**BC-DKNY** · 08-24-2008, 08:47 PM

wishing you luck for tomorrow LAM!!!! please let us know when you find out!!!

LAMom · 08-25-2008, 04:53 PM

Thanks, friends.

I got the call late this afternoon that the test result was negative.

I wish that I would've checked in on this thread, before I got the call, so that I could've asked about the sensitivity of the test.

Oh well.

I can't help but think that I still "feel different" though.

(Sigh)

Thanks for the support!

**BC-Maura** · 08-25-2008, 05:22 PM

Oh, LAMom, I'm so sorry

. {{{HUGS}}}

+++++++++++
Maura

JerseyGirl16 · 08-25-2008, 06:05 PM

LAMom,
I am so sorry, sweetie. It just isn't fair!!! What a stressful couple weeks for you - I think you should go and do something nice for yourself - maybe a massage or something.

I am so sorry the result wasn't positive. Thinking of you!!

LAMom · 08-26-2008, 02:52 AM

forgive me if I'm repeating myself, I just got kicked out of the system while I was halfway through my neurosis/vent session.

It's 4:30 in the morning and I can't sleep! So, I thought I'd check in with my friends and do a little venting.

I may be psycosomatic.....but, I really do feel pg.!

I've been nauseaus for the last few days and I've been up at 3 or 4 every morning for those early morning bathroom trips. I still have the clear discharge too.

And, like I posted in the other thread, I remember this "acidic" feeling after my m/c last year too. Do you think that I could have a m/c on the way again? I guess I just don't know how hard to push to see the doc. My regular appt is now set up for the end of September, I guess I could always call his office if I start with any bad cramping or bleeding.

I just can't believe that my one day of brown spotting would happen RIGHT THERE IN THE IMPLANTATION TIME WINDOW, if it was simply a cyst or irritated cervix, kwim?

On the other hand, though, if the blood qualitative hcg was simply not sensitive enough to pick up the pregnancy, then that would mean that my level was less than 25. And, if I'm thinking this pregnancy is 6 weeks along, then that isn't good news anyway.

One last straw that I'm clutching at here........those women that got negative urine hpts, do we know how they did with the qualitative blood hcg tests? That is, is it possible for me to get a negative on this one and STILL be pregnant?

Thanks for entertaining my early morning ranting. I don't know where else I could vent about all this......

JG, I'm so glad to see your posts! I know what you mean about the "waffling".....I go away for a period of time, then I'm back and I can't stay away! We're addicted to this board, don't you think? (I think that it's Maura and Dina that keep me coming back, how about you?)

I'm glad to hear that you "sound" better! I've been hoping and praying for a quick and solid recovery for you!!! And, as far as the nurse goes, I've thought of bringing that up to my doc before too.....I will be sure to in my next month's appt. It surely does get "old". I usually have "enough on my plate" when I'm there, that I don't need her attitude on top of it all!!

Anyway, thanks again to all of you for your positive thoughts and encouragement.

Now, these darn symptoms can start disappearing anytime now.....that would be fine with me too.!

Hugs,
LAMom

08-22-2008, 01:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
LAMom Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 268	question about blood pgcy test Hi, Does anyone know how sensitive the qualitative hcg beta test is? I thought that I was going in today for a quantitative (with actual beta #s), but when I looked at the lab order sheet, it read "qualitative" only. Just wondering.......! If I'm already having negative urine hpts at home, won't the blood qualitative be just as informative? Thanks, LAMom

08-24-2008, 07:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
JerseyGirl16 200-299 post 4 of hearts Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 211	LAMom!! I am just catching up reading the boards tonight, and see what interesting reading I have?? I waffle between not wanting to be here, and not being able to stay away. It's hard to quit, ya know? I found myself noting my EWCM today, almost right on schedule, given it's been about 15 days since the D&E. ANYWAY... First of all, I am so sorry that the nurse was such a B!! Honestly, I don't get how they can be that way sometimes. I realize that they have "seen it all" and everything, but COME ON!! I work in a hospital and I hope that I never EVER make a patient feel that way. It shouldn't be so hard to get compassion for your situation and how you are feeling. You ought to mention it to the doctor the next time you are get into see him/her. Second - wow, I can't believe you are still going through all this! I am crossing my fingers that it's all for SUPER GOOD cause! I can't wait til tomorrow to get your update! Hugs to you while you wait! Beth __________________ Beth Me 35, DH 36 - Married 9 years 1 MC 2000 at 7-8 weeks Ovulation Induction 9/01, resulting in: Twins S and C born 6.29.02 - full term and healthy - now 5 years old! Now TTC again http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/19a3d6

08-25-2008, 05:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
BC-Maura Board Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 12,945	Oh, LAMom, I'm so sorry. {{{HUGS}}} +++++++++++ Maura

08-25-2008, 06:05 PM	#9 (permalink)
JerseyGirl16 200-299 post 4 of hearts Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 211	LAMom, I am so sorry, sweetie. It just isn't fair!!! What a stressful couple weeks for you - I think you should go and do something nice for yourself - maybe a massage or something. I am so sorry the result wasn't positive. Thinking of you!! __________________ Beth Me 35, DH 36 - Married 9 years 1 MC 2000 at 7-8 weeks Ovulation Induction 9/01, resulting in: Twins S and C born 6.29.02 - full term and healthy - now 5 years old! Now TTC again http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/19a3d6

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08-23-2008, 08:03 AM	#3 (permalink)
LAMom Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 268	I know, Dina. I was wondering the same thing. I looked at it twice, though, on the lab order. The "qualitative" box was right above the "quanititative" one.....but "qualitative" was the one checked. I guess that the nurse was just "humoring" me. Sigh. I really hope that I am one of those odd cases that just don't register a positive hpt.......because I will MAKE SURE to mention that fact to her, should it happen! Anyway, I was hoping that the qualitative hcg tests are AS sensitive as the quantitative ones..... I'm feeling good.....a little nauseaus yesterday.....but, that could also be from all of the anxiety of the day. I did feel pretty flustered after I spoke with the nurse on the phone. Monday seems like a really long way off!!! Thanks again for staying with me on this one! LAMom

08-24-2008, 09:56 AM	#4 (permalink)
BC-Maura Board Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 12,945	Hi LAMom: Here is a blurb from the fertilityplus website: "Q: Which is more accurate, a urine test or a blood test? A: A blood test is more accurate, but not necessarily more sensitive. A lot depends on the lab. A quantitative blood test, usually called a beta hCG test, measures the exact units of hCG in the blood. That means it will detect even the most minimal level. There is another type of blood test sometimes called a qualitative hCG. This is a test that simply gives a yes or no answer to whether you are pregnant. Just like urine tests, labs vary as to what is considered a positive pregnancy test. Common cutoffs for positive are 5, 10, and 25 units. A level under 5 is considered negative. A test that is only triggered at 25 units of hCG is not any more sensitive than several of the urine HPTs." So, if it comes back negative, make sure you ask what the sensitivity level of the qual. test is! Good luck and keep us posted++++++++ Maura

08-25-2008, 04:53 PM	#7 (permalink)
LAMom Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 268	Thanks, friends. I got the call late this afternoon that the test result was negative. I wish that I would've checked in on this thread, before I got the call, so that I could've asked about the sensitivity of the test. Oh well. I can't help but think that I still "feel different" though. (Sigh) Thanks for the support!

08-26-2008, 02:52 AM	#10 (permalink)
LAMom Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 268	forgive me if I'm repeating myself, I just got kicked out of the system while I was halfway through my neurosis/vent session. It's 4:30 in the morning and I can't sleep! So, I thought I'd check in with my friends and do a little venting. I may be psycosomatic.....but, I really do feel pg.! I've been nauseaus for the last few days and I've been up at 3 or 4 every morning for those early morning bathroom trips. I still have the clear discharge too. And, like I posted in the other thread, I remember this "acidic" feeling after my m/c last year too. Do you think that I could have a m/c on the way again? I guess I just don't know how hard to push to see the doc. My regular appt is now set up for the end of September, I guess I could always call his office if I start with any bad cramping or bleeding. I just can't believe that my one day of brown spotting would happen RIGHT THERE IN THE IMPLANTATION TIME WINDOW, if it was simply a cyst or irritated cervix, kwim? On the other hand, though, if the blood qualitative hcg was simply not sensitive enough to pick up the pregnancy, then that would mean that my level was less than 25. And, if I'm thinking this pregnancy is 6 weeks along, then that isn't good news anyway. One last straw that I'm clutching at here........those women that got negative urine hpts, do we know how they did with the qualitative blood hcg tests? That is, is it possible for me to get a negative on this one and STILL be pregnant? Thanks for entertaining my early morning ranting. I don't know where else I could vent about all this...... JG, I'm so glad to see your posts! I know what you mean about the "waffling".....I go away for a period of time, then I'm back and I can't stay away! We're addicted to this board, don't you think? (I think that it's Maura and Dina that keep me coming back, how about you?) I'm glad to hear that you "sound" better! I've been hoping and praying for a quick and solid recovery for you!!! And, as far as the nurse goes, I've thought of bringing that up to my doc before too.....I will be sure to in my next month's appt. It surely does get "old". I usually have "enough on my plate" when I'm there, that I don't need her attitude on top of it all!! Anyway, thanks again to all of you for your positive thoughts and encouragement. Now, these darn symptoms can start disappearing anytime now.....that would be fine with me too.! Hugs, LAMom