Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
Alternative names Return to top
Beta-HCG - qualitative - urineDefinition Return to top
This is a test to detect beta-HCG (a hormone normally produced during pregnancy) in urine.How the test is performed Return to top
A urine sample is obtained. Urinate in the normal manner, but collect a sample in a container. Usually a first-morning sample (the first time the person urinates in the morning) is preferred, because it is the most concentrated.
Home pregnancy tests simply require the test strip to be dipped into the urine or passed through the urine stream while urinating.
How to prepare for the test Return to top
No special preparation is needed. The first morning urine sample is often recommended.How the test will feel Return to top
Urinate in the normal manner, but collect a sample (or dip the test strip in the urine stream) as directed.Why the test is performed Return to top
Qualitative urine HCG tests are a common method of determining if a woman is pregnant. A home pregnancy test usually uses this method.
HCG is detectable in the blood or urine 1 to 2 days after implantation of the fertilized egg (10 days after ovulation). HCG increases rapidly in the first trimester, reaching a peak 60 to 80 days after fertilization, then drops off quickly to 10-30% of the peak value for the rest of the pregnancy.
HCG maintains progesterone production by the corpus luteum in the early stages of pregnancy. By the time HCG drops at the beginning of the second trimester, the placenta can make sufficient progesterone to maintain the endometrium (uterine lining). HCG also stimulates the development of fetal gonads and the synthesis of androgens (male hormones) by the fetal testes.
Normal Values Return to top
What abnormal results mean Return to top
Abnormal results may indicate:What the risks are Return to top
There are essentially no risks (except for "false positive" or "false negative" results).Special considerations Return to top
False positive tests may occur when certain hormones are increased, such as after menopause when taking hormone supplements.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |