Madprime

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test

Article
Women's Health
Laboratory Procedures
+2
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAJul 26, 2019

What are the other Names for this Test? (Equivalent Terms)

  • Beta hCG Test
  • Total hCG Test
  • ß-hCG Test

What is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test? (Background Information)

  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta, 8-10 days after a woman becomes pregnant. After fertilization by a man’s sperm, a woman’s egg takes roughly 8-10 days to travel down the uterine tubes and implant in the uterus. The egg, now called a blastocyst, begins secreting hCG
  • hCG stimulates the corpus luteum of the ovary. The corpus luteum is the leftover portion of the follicle, after it has detached an egg. The hCG hormone “rescues” the corpus luteum from becoming a corpus albicans and disintegrating. The hormone also “rescues” the endometrial lining from being shed, enabling it to facilitate pregnancy
  • The end result of hCG release by the blastocyst is that it stimulates the corpus luteum to secrete progesterone. Progesterone (“pro-“, supporting; “gest,” gestation) enriches the uterine lining and protects the developing blastocyst from the mother’s immune system. It is essential for pregnancy to be successful
  • The Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test is a urine or blood test to assess the levels of hCG hormone. It is used to detect pregnancy and is also used to detect complications of pregnancy, tumors, and neural tube defects in the fetus

What are the Clinical Indications for performing the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test?

Following are the clinical indications for performing the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test:

  • Screening for prenatal neural tube defects
  • Screening for Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
  • Monitoring status of pregnancy or abortion
  • Monitoring effects of surgery or chemotherapy
  • Missed period
  • Nausea, due to morning sickness
  • Tender, swollen breasts

How is the Specimen Collected for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test?

Following is the specimen collection process for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test:

Sample required: Most commonly urine is collected; sometimes, blood may also be used.

Process:

  • Urination into a sterile container for collecting urine sample
  • Insertion of a needle into an arm vein for blood sample

Preparation required: No special preparation is needed prior to the test.

What is the Significance of the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test Result?

The significance of the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test is explained:

Decreased hCG levels may indicate:

  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Partial or complete abortion, which can be:
    • Clinically induced, or
    • Spontaneous (miscarriage)

Increased hCG levels may indicate:

  • Pregnancy
  • Choriocarcinoma
  • Ectopic hCG-producing tumors (e.g. stomach, lung, colon, breast tumors)
  • Erythroblastosis fetalis
  • Hydatidiform mole

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information:

  • The Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test is often performed alongside estriol and alpha-fetoprotein tests. Collectively, these are called triple markers. They are used to detect neural tube defects
  • Drinking excessive amounts of water, prior to performing this test may dilute the urine and result in a false negative outcome

Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your healthcare provider, the complete list of medications (including any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!