HCG test

HCG what is it?

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone produced by the developing embryo, after the fertilized egg has implanted in the uterine wall, and then by the placenta. HCG stimulates the production of the sex hormone progesterone.

HCG levels increase during pregnancy, and levels that are too high or too low can indicate a twin pregnancy or abnormalities such as ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or placental failure .

In women who are not pregnant and in men, HCG testing is performed in the diagnosis of cancerous lesions.

When do we do a beta HCG test?

• To check a possible pregnancy and check its age
• In the management and monitoring of pregnancy
• In the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy
• When suspicion of the development of HCG-producing cancer (ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, medulloblastoma, chorionic epithelioma or others)

Beta HCG as a tumor marker

Beta HCG testing can be part of cancer diagnosis. Since chorionic gonadotropin is normally found only in pregnant women, it is used as a tumor marker - a substance detected in the blood in cancer patients (gonadotropin can be secreted by cancerous tissues).

Beta HCG is a tumor marker

Tumor markers are usually determined in blood serum or saliva. They can also be determined from cerebrospinal fluid, lung and peritoneal effusion fluids.

Tumor markers can also be determined in blood

Beta HCG testing in pregnancy

HCG is the hormone responsible for the production of progesterone, which is necessary to sustain pregnancy. Chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in male fetuses stimulates testicular cells to produce testosterone, and in both sexes it regulates thyroid hormones to support the developing pituitary gland. HCG is also responsible for the absorption of more nutrients by the fetus.

Course of the HCG test

The test involves taking a blood sample from the ulnar (elbow) vein into a test tube. The blood taking procedure consists of the following steps:

1. Skin disinfection.
2. Fitting a tourniquet.
3. Repetitive clenching of the fingers to expose the vein.

The collection takes a few dozen seconds and, when it is over, the injection site should be compressed firmly, with the elbow in a straight position. The entire test lasts no more than a few minutes.

Beta HCG results

• Test results are available within 3 working days.
• It is possible to collect them at the reception desk of any Medicover Centre.
• The results can be accessed online. To do this, you have to visit the reception desk to generate a password in the Centre of your choice.

HCG – preparation for the test

• No special preparation is required for the test. Patients do not have to be on an empty stomach.
• Blood should be collected in the morning.
• If possible, the test should be performed before patients take their morning dose of medicines. However, such a decision must always be consulted with their physician..
• Patients should always inform the blood-taking personnel about the medications, supplements and herbal preparations they use.