Test Overview The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test is done to check for the hormone placenta
The test can also be done as part of a screening test for birth defects. The amount that hCG goes up early in pregnancy can give information about your pregnancy and the health of your baby. Soon after delivery, hCG can no longer be found in your blood.
HCG may also be made by certain tumours, especially those that come from an egg or sperm. (These are called germ cell tumours.) HCG levels are often tested in a woman who may have tissue that is not normal growing in her uterus. The test also may be done to look for molar pregnancy testicles
Why It Is Done
A test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is done to:
See if you are pregnant. Find an ectopic pregnancy. Check the treatment of a molar pregnancy. See if there is a greater chance of birth defects such as Down syndrome. The test is done with other screening tests. Find and check on the treatment of a cancer that develops from an egg or sperm (germ cell cancer), such as cancer of the ovaries or testicles. In such cases, a test for alpha-fetoprotein may be done along with a test for hCG. How To Prepare
You don't need to do anything before the test.
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How It Is Done
A urine or blood test for pregnancy can be done in your doctor's office, clinic, or lab.
Blood test A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
Urine test You catch urine in a cup given to you by a health professional. When you are finished, you give the cup back.
How long the test takes The test will take just a few minutes. Results from a urine test may be available right away. Blood test results may take a few days. Watch How It Feels
Blood test When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.
Urine test In most cases, there is no pain with collecting a urine sample.
Risks
Blood test There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.
Urine test Collecting a urine sample does not cause problems.
Results
Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.
High values If you are pregnant, very high levels of hCG can mean a multiple pregnancy (such as twins or triplets). It can also mean a molar pregnancy Down syndrome In a man or a non-pregnant woman, a high hCG level can be a sign of a tumour (cancerous or non-cancerous). These tumours can develop from a sperm or egg cell (germ cell tumour), such as a tumour of the testicles or ovaries. It may also mean some types of cancer, such as cancer of the stomach, pancreas Low values If you are pregnant, a low level of hCG can mean an ectopic pregnancy If you are pregnant, levels of hCG that are going down abnormally can mean that a miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) is very likely. Related Information
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Current as of: April 30, 2024
