Human placental lactogen
Purpose
To assess placental function and fetal well-being
To aid diagnosis of hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma
To aid diagnosis and monitor treatment of nontrophoblastic tumors that ectopically secrete human placental lactogen (hPL)
Patient preparation
Explain to the patient that this test helps assess placental function and fetal well-being.
If assessing fetal well-being isn’t the diagnostic objective, offer an appropriate explanation.
Explain to the patient that she may experience slight discomfort from the tourniquet and the needle puncture.
Inform the pregnant patient that it may be necessary to repeat this test during her pregnancy.
Procedure
Perform a venipuncture and collect the sample in a 7-ml clot-activator tube.
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