Lola, Utah, USA: Testing of hCG levels in the blood is done frequently for GTD. Some physicians will suggest weekly blood testing at first, to confirm regression of the trophoblastic tumor. After remission is achieved, hCG levels are monitored closely, generally with a weekly test for the first month, bi-weekly testing for the second and third months, and then every three months.

hCG is a polypeptide hormone produced by the human trophoblast in the developing embryo. It is composed of alpha and beta subunits. The alpha subunit is essentially identical to the alpha subunits of human pituitary gonadotropins: luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The beta subunits of these hormones differ in their amino acid sequences. As far as its action is concerned, hCG is virtually identical to the pituitary hormone LH.

Lola, Utah, USA: Yes, some elevated hCG levels can be due to other factors besides GTD or recurrent trophoblastic disease. Certain hormone fluctuations and proteins in the blood may interfere with blood test results. Both tests should be requested, especially in initial diagnosis of GTD, as well as diagnostic testing for suspected GTD, before any invasive treatment recommendations are pursued. Lola, Utah, USA: GTD is diagnosed and followed by measuring hCG hormone in the blood and urine.

The lower the number of units of hCG in your urine detected means that you will be able to test earlier. The test is more sensitive, and more likely to pick up an early pregnancy, 10-14 dpo. (days past ovulation)

A bone densitometry test is an aid to doctors in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. The test compares your bone mineral density (BMD) to that of a "young adult" at peak bone strength. It also compares your results to people of your same age, called "age-matched". This information, along with other factors, helps doctors gauge your risk of osteoporotic fracture. The difference between your result and that of a "young adult" is given as a T-score.

There are a variety of blood tests for Valley Fever, the most useful of which is a Complement Fixation titer. A titer is a blood test that checks to see if your body is producing antibodies to VF. Titer tests are often negative months after the first Valley Fever symptoms have appeared, even in chronic cases. Some people who are infected may never show titers, regardless of severity. Sometimes the titer can be useful in other fluids than blood for a more specific diagnosis.

The earliest that a sensitive blood test can pick up any HCG at all is 5-7 days after ovulation. Your quantitative serum beta test can be reliable about 10-12 days after ovulation, if you have not taken a HCG booster. Extremely sensitive home pregnancy tests might in some cases be reliable as soon as 12 dpo. If you have taken a HCG booster, then you may have a reliable test at 14 days past ovulation. The serum beta is the most reliable test.

Intramuscular injection is generally recommended for hCG. However, a new recombinant form of hCG is available, Ovidrel, which is designed for subcutaneous administration.

The hormone beta hCG is produced by the placenta. In normal pregnancy the levels double every two days. When the level in urine is high enough, the home pregnancy test becomes positive. In ectopic pregnancy, the levels are usually lower and rise more slowly (and your pregnancy may not test positive). A combination of ultrasound findings and blood levels of hCG can make a more accurate and earlier diagnosis allowing more treatment options.

It doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong, but it warrants further exploration including an early ultrasound (6 weeks LMP, 4 weeks after ovulation). Slow-rising hCG can be related to impending miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. One important thing to remember is that on average hCG levels double approximately every two days from 4-6 weeks LMP, then doubles every 3 days when the level is 1600-6000, then the doubling slows to every 4 days or so.

In most cases, yes. All of our doctors are trained in the latest endoscopic techniques. Most polyps can be removed at the time of colonoscopy. Rarely, a polyp is too big or too flat to remove and surgery is necessary. In fact, since Three Rivers Endoscopy Center opened in 1996, our doctors have removed tens of thousands of polyps. Each polyp removed is a potential colon cancer prevented.

In general, any individual can order any test(s) for themselves. A doctor's prescription is not required.

No! Some individuals wish to do their own 'trial and error" evaluation without the advice of a doctor that specializes in low vision. To accommodate those with this impression, one of our technicians will work with a patient for a fee per visit.