HCG - Qualitative - Serum
Alternate Names : Beta-HCG - Qualitative Serum, Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin - Qualitative Serum, Pregnancy Test - Blood, Qualitative Serum Beta-HCG, Serum HCG
DefinitionThis is a blood test to detect beta-HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone normally produced during pregnancy.
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Why is the Test Performed?
Most often, this test is performed to confirm or rule out pregnancy. Serum HCG may also be increased in women with certain types of ovarian tumors or men with testicular tumors.
HCG, a hormone produced during pregnancy, is detectable in the blood or urine 1 to 2 days after implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus (10 days after ovulation). It increases rapidly in the first trimester, reaching a peak 60 to 80 days after fertilization; then drops off quickly to 10-30% of the peak value for the rest of the pregnancy.
HCG maintains progesterone production by the corpus luteum in the early part of pregnancy. By the time HCG drops at the beginning of the second trimester, the placenta can make sufficient progesterone to maintain the endometrium. HCG also stimulates the development of fetal gonads and synthesis of androgens (male hormones) by the fetal testes.
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