Which biomarker is routinely used to confirm pregnancy?

Which biomarker is routinely used to confirm pregnancy?

• A. PSA
• B. CA125
• C. hCG
• D. CEA

Answer: (C)

Detecting pregnancy hinges on a hormone produced by the placenta after implantation. This hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), appears in blood and urine early enough that most tests can confirm pregnancy around the time of a missed period. Because hCG is specific to pregnancy and rises rapidly, clinical labs and home tests routinely use it to confirm pregnancy. The other biomarkers listed are associated with cancer or other conditions and are not produced in pregnancy, so they do not serve as reliable indicators for confirming it. Serial measurements of hCG can also help gauge early pregnancy progression, but for simple confirmation, the presence of hCG is the standard.

Detecting pregnancy hinges on a hormone produced by the placenta after implantation. This hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), appears in blood and urine early enough that most tests can confirm pregnancy around the time of a missed period. Because hCG is specific to pregnancy and rises rapidly, clinical labs and home tests routinely use it to confirm pregnancy. The other biomarkers listed are associated with cancer or other conditions and are not produced in pregnancy, so they do not serve as reliable indicators for confirming it. Serial measurements of hCG can also help gauge early pregnancy progression, but for simple confirmation, the presence of hCG is the standard.