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HCG Tests & What They Mean

HCG tests look for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that is typically produced by the cells that will later develop into the placenta, an organ that attaches to the uterine wall and nourishes the fetus with oxygen and nutrients.

  1. Types

    • There two types of HCG tests: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative checks to see if HCG is circulating, and quantitative see how much HCG is circulating in the blood.

    Function

    • Women will receive a qualitative HCG test to determine if she is pregnant. A physician will order a quantitative HCG test to test for ectopic pregnancies, miscarriage and multiple pregnancies.

    Meaning

    • Low levels of HCG could mean miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. High levels of HCG, on the other hand, may mean the presence of multiple fetuses or a molar pregnancy.

    Time Frame

    • Levels of HCG can be detected around 11 days after conception with a blood test, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Urine tests can usually detect HCG within 12 to 14 days following conception.

    Considerations

    • Testing for HCG very early in a pregnancy can give you a false-negative result. False negatives may also occur with very diluted urine, says the American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

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