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Quantitative HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

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).

Quantitative HCG measurements can be useful in evaluating threatened abortions.

  • Doubling every 2-3 days is reassuring.
  • More slowly rising levels are equivocal.
  • Plateau levels or falling levels are non-reassuring.

They may also be useful in evaluating possible ectopic pregnancy.

  • With > 1500 units of HCG, a normal intrauterine pregnancy is usually seen with transvaginal ultrasound.
  • This threshold, also known as the "discriminatory zone" may range from 1,000 to 2,000 units of HCG, depending on the lab, the ultrasound equipment and the sonographer's experience.

Elevations caused by:

  • Pregnancy
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Decreases caused by:

  • Miscarriage (spontaneous or induced)
  • Following obstetrical delivery
  • With resolution of an ectopic pregnancy
  • Following effective treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease

Normal Values:

  mIU/ml
Women Negative

Pregnancy

Positive

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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