Human chorionic gonadotropin

Human chorionic gonadotropin

Human chorionic gonadotropin

General information

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone consisting of two subunits: α- and β-chains. The protein is produced by the trophoblast (the outer layer of blastocyst cells necessary for implantation); it serves to maintain the corpus luteum during the first weeks of pregnancy and stimulates the production of progesterone. It is believed that it is involved in the processes of sexual differentiation of the fetus.
The blood serum of pregnant women contains mainly intact hCG. However, small amounts of free α- and β-subunits also circulate in the blood.
Only the intact hormone is biologically active.

Human chorionic gonadotropin


Clinical significance

In the absence of pathology, hCG is detected only in the blood and urine of pregnant women. The concentration of hCG exponentially increases during the first trimester of pregnancy, reaching a peak at 9 weeks of pregnancy. The hormone level then declines between 10 and 16 weeks of pregnancy to about one-fifth of its peak concentration and remains at this level until delivery.
Measuring the hCG concentration allows pregnancy to be diagnosed as early as one week after fertilization.
High hCG levels in the blood are found in choriocarcinoma, hydatidiform mole, or multiple pregnancies.
Low hCG levels in the blood are observed in threatened miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, gestosis, or intrauterine fetal death.
High hCG concentrations unrelated to pregnancy can be found in tumors of the germ cells, ovaries, bladder, pancreas, stomach, lungs, and liver.

Patient Preparation

Do not take multivitamins or supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements or multivitamins, for 12 hours before the test.

Sampling

Venous blood

Response deadline

Same day

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