Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) Test, Pregnancy Test

What To Think About

• Home pregnancy tests that find hCG in urine are widely available. For more information, see the medical test Home Pregnancy Tests.
• A blood test for hCG is generally more accurate than a urine test. If pregnancy is suspected even after urine test results do not show a pregnancy (negative results), a blood test can be done, or another urine test should be repeated in a week.
• HCG results may remain high (positive) for up to four weeks after a miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) or therapeutic abortion.
• The level of hCG in the blood is often used in a maternal serum triple or quadruple screening test. Generally done between 15 and 20 weeks, these tests check the levels of three or four substances in a pregnant woman's blood. The triple screen checks alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and a type of estrogen (unconjugated estriol, or uE3). The quad screen checks these substances and the level of the hormone inhibin A. The levels of these substances—along with a woman's age and other factors—help the doctor estimate the chance that the baby may have certain problems or birth defects. For more information about estriol and hCG, see the medical tests Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) in Blood, Estrogens, and Hormone Inhibin A.
• A normal hCG value does not rule out the possibility of a tumor in the uterus, ovaries, or testicles. HCG is only one part of an overall evaluation when a tumor is suspected.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Sandy Jocoy, RN	Last Updated: May 14, 2008
Medical Review:	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.