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 |
|