Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

• Home pregnancy tests that find hCG in urine are widely available. For more information, see the topic Reference 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 4 weeks after a miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) or therapeutic abortion.
• 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.
• The level of hCG in the blood is often used in a maternal serum triple or quadruple screening test. For more information, see the topic Reference Triple or Quad Screening for Birth Defects.

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