HCG pregnancy test

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a glycoprotein hormone secreted by viable placental tissue during pregnancy, is excreted in urine approximately 20 days after the last menstrual period. The levels of HCG rise rapidly reaching peak levels after 60-80 days. The appearance of hCG in urine soon after conception and its rapid rise in concentration makes it an ideal marker for the early detection and confirmation of pregnancy. However, elevated hCG levels are frequently associated with trophoblastic and non-trophoblastic neoplasms and hence these conditions should be considered before a diagnosis of pregnancy can be made.