Production of hCG increases steadily during the first trimester (8-10 weeks) of a normal pregnancy, peaking around the 10th week after the last menstrual cycle. A pregnancy test detects hCG in the blood or urine and confirms or rules out pregnancy.ĭuring the early weeks of pregnancy, hCG is important in maintaining function of the corpus luteum. Early in pregnancy, the level of hCG increases in the blood and is eliminated in the urine.
Pregnancy Test (hCG)Also Known AsPregnancy Test (hCG)Formal NamePregnancy Test (hCG)At a GlanceWhy Get Tested?To confirm a pregnancy to help identify an ectopic pregnancy to monitor a pregnancy that may be at risk of failing occasionally to screen a woman for pregnancy prior to some medical treatments as part of a panel of tests used to screen for fetal abnormalities (see First Trimester Down Syndrome Screen and Second Trimester Maternal Serum Screening)When To Get Tested?When you suspect that you are pregnant (testing can be done reliably by 10 days after you miss your menstrual period and some methods can detect hCG even earlier) when you have signs and symptoms that suggest you may have an ectopic pregnancy or a pregnancy that is failing prior to some medical treatmentsSample Required?A urine sample, preferably collected first thing in the morning, or a blood sample drawn from a vein in your armTest Preparation Needed?Do not drink large amounts of fluid before collecting a urine sample for a pregnancy test because overly diluted urine may result in a false negative no preparation is needed for a blood sample.What is being tested?Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta of a pregnant woman. Pregnancy Test (hCG) - Understand the Test & Your Results