hCG, Total, Qualitative (Chorionic Gonadotropin)

The hCG, Total, Qualitative test detects the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood or urine. hCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy by the placenta shortly after implantation. This test is primarily used to confirm or rule out pregnancy.

1. What Is hCG?

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone secreted by cells in the placenta during pregnancy.

• It supports the corpus luteum in producing progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.

• hCG levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy, doubling approximately every 48–72 hours.

2. Why Is the hCG Qualitative Test Performed?

This test is used to:

• Confirm or rule out pregnancy.

• Evaluate symptoms such as missed periods, nausea, or pelvic pain.

• Rule out ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage in early stages of pregnancy.

• Occasionally used to screen for certain tumors that secrete hCG.

3. How the hCG Qualitative Test Works

• The test detects whether hCG is present in the sample (blood or urine).

• A positive result indicates the presence of hCG and likely pregnancy.

• A negative result indicates hCG is not detected—either the person is not pregnant or it’s too early to detect.

4. Interpreting Test Results

🔹 Positive hCG Result:

• Suggests pregnancy (confirmed by further evaluation if necessary).

• May require repeat testing if symptoms or gestational age are uncertain.

🔹 Negative hCG Result:

• No detectable hCG – likely not pregnant or testing was done too early.

• If pregnancy is still suspected, retesting in a few days may be recommended.

5. What Can Affect hCG Results?

• Timing of the test (too early may give false-negative results).

• Diluted urine (especially with home tests).

• Certain tumors (e.g., germ cell tumors) may produce hCG.

• Some fertility treatments that involve hCG injections.

6. How Is the Test Performed?

• Blood Test: Performed in a lab and can detect lower levels of hCG than urine tests.

• Urine Test: Often used for home pregnancy testing; best done with the first morning urine.

7. When to See a Doctor

🚨 Contact your healthcare provider if you:

• Have a positive test and need prenatal care.

• Experience pain, spotting, or signs of ectopic pregnancy.

• Suspect pregnancy but get a negative test result (may need follow-up testing).

🔹 Key Takeaways

✅ hCG qualitative tests are the standard tool for early pregnancy detection.

✅ A positive result strongly suggests pregnancy, while a negative result may need to be repeated if taken early.

✅ Blood tests are more sensitive than urine tests and may detect pregnancy earlier.