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Pregnancy Test
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Urine Chorionic Gonadotropin (UCG)
Qualitative HCG

HCG is a hormone, produced by placental tissue. 
  • Shortly after implantation of a fertilized ovum in the uterine lining, HCG begins to be produced.
  • Levels of HCG approximately double every 2-3 days in a normal pregnancy.
  • By the time of the first missed menstrual period, pregnancy tests are usually positive (with a sensitivity of 30-35 mIU/ml).
  • Following a miscarriage, HCG levels initially fall quickly, then more gradually, until levels return to normal. This process takes, on average, about a month.

Urine is normally used for the test. A morning urine is more sensitive (in borderline situations) because it is more concentrated.

Serum can be used, and is equally reliable.

Elevations caused by:

  • Pregnancy
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Decreases caused by:

  • Miscarriage (spontaneous or induced)
  • Following obstetrical delivery
  • With resolution of an ectopic pregnancy

Normal Values:

  mIU/ml
Non-pregnant Negative

Pregnant

 Positive

More information on Pregnancy Tests

positive pregnancy test
Positive Pregnancy Test

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300

Military Obstetrics & Gynecology
© 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Medical Education Division, Brookside Associates, Ltd.
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This information is provided by The Brookside Associates.  The Brookside Associates, LLC. is a private organization, not affiliated with any governmental agency. The opinions presented here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Brookside Associates or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the US Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. All material presented here is unclassified.

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