HCG
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-24 (EDT)
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The hCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin test is used to determine pregnancy and for the monitoring of "high-risk" pregnancies. As well, HCG is often used as a tumor marker for certain cancers. [1], [2]
Discussion
- HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is a glycoprotein secreted by the placental trophoblast after the ovum is fertilized.
- HCG will appear in the blood and urine of pregnant women as early as 10 days following conception.
- HCG is not normally present in nonpregnant women, although in a small number of women (<5%), HCG can be found in very minute levels.
Patient Preparation
- No fasting required.
- Factors which can cause increased levels
- Tests performed too early in pregnancy before significant HCG levels may give false-negative results, hematuria, proteinuria
- Drugs: anticonvulsants, antiparkinsonian drugs, hypnotics, tranquilizers
- Factors which can cause decreased levels
- Drugs: diuretics and promethazine
Clinical Implications
High levels indicate:
- Pregnancy
- Hydatidiform mole of the uterus
- Choriocarcinoma of the uterus
- Germ cell (choriocarcinoma, teratomas, embryonal cell) tumors of testes or ovaries
- Other tumors ( poorly differentiated tumors, e.g. hepatoma and lymphoma)
Low levels indicate:
- Threatened abortion
- Incomplete abortion
- Dead fetus
Associated Tests
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J (2006) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby.
- ↑ Weatherby Dicken, Ferguson Scott (2002) Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective, Bear Mountain.
