Placental Growth Factor (PGF) with Serum/Plasma Concentration Measurement
This test measures the concentration of placental growth factor (PGF) in your blood. PGF is a protein involved in blood vessel formation during pregnancy and may help assess early pregnancy complications.
["PGF levels can help monitor risks for conditions like preeclampsia or poor fetal growth."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33486-2
- Short code
- Symptoms 1.5h p Lac PO Patient-Imp
- Synonyms
- Symptoms 1.5h p Lac PO Patient-Imp
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’re pregnant or at higher risk for pregnancy-related complications, such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, or other conditions affecting blood flow to the placenta. It may also be used during early pregnancy screening to evaluate placental health.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. The process takes a few minutes, and you can resume normal activities afterward. If you’re pregnant, inform your provider about any medications or supplements you’re taking.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to reference ranges for pregnancy-specific conditions. Low or high levels may signal potential issues, such as restricted blood flow to the placenta or other pregnancy-related risks. Your provider will discuss findings with you in detail.
Common Reasons for Testing
PGF testing is often part of a broader evaluation for conditions like preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), or placental insufficiency. It may also be used in combination with other markers to assess early pregnancy viability.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Placental growth factor is a key biomarker for placental function. Elevated levels may indicate healthy placental development, while decreased levels can signal reduced blood flow or placental stress, potentially leading to complications like preeclampsia or fetal growth restrictions. Early detection helps guide interventions to improve outcomes.
Short name
PGF (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
When might I get this test?
What does a low or high PGF level mean?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy