HCG

Test description

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced by the trophoblast, the tissue of the developing embryo, immediately after implantation in the uterine lining. Blood beta-HCG measurement is significantly more sensitive than a home urine test – it can confirm pregnancy as early as approximately 8–11 days after fertilisation, i.e., even before the expected menstruation. In a normally developing early pregnancy, HCG levels approximately double every 48–72 hours, which is why the test is often performed twice, 2–3 days apart. The dynamics of the increase provide important clinical information: too slow an increase may suggest an ectopic or threatened pregnancy, while significantly higher than expected values may indicate a multiple pregnancy. The test is also used in monitoring after miscarriage and in the diagnosis of certain trophoblastic diseases. The result should always be interpreted together with the date of the last menstrual period, clinical symptoms, and – where indicated – an ultrasound examination.

Biomarkers measured