Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) Test, Pregnancy Test

Why It Is Done

A test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is done to:

• See whether you are pregnant.
• Find an ectopic pregnancy.
• Find and check the treatment of a molar pregnancy.
• See whether there is an increased chance of birth defects such as Down syndrome. The test is used in combination with other screening tests.
• Find and check 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.

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.