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| Definition: |
A blood test that measures the amount of the hormone human placental lactogen (HPL).
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| How the test is performed: |
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a tourniquet (an elastic band) is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the tourniquet to distend (fill with blood). A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the tourniquet is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
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| How to prepare for the test: |
Adults:
No special preparation.
Children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
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| How the test will feel: |
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
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| Why the test is performed: |
HPL is a placental hormone that induces insulin resistance and carbohydrate intolerance. HPL also breaks down maternal lipids into free fatty acids that are used to provide fuel for the fetus.
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| Normal Values: |
The HPL value that rises progressively during pregnancy is normal.
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| What abnormal results mean: |
HPL is a hormone produced by the placenta and is used to evaluate placental function. Abnormal results may indicate abnormal (usually insufficient) placenta function.
Values are decreased with:
Values are increased with:
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| What the risks are: |
- excessive bleeding
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fainting or feeling lightheaded
- hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
- multiple punctures to locate veins
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| Special considerations: |
This test has questionable clinical value, but may be useful for research purposes or in certain cases.
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
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Review Date: 8/10/2001
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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