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Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) - What To Think About
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- Home pregnancy tests that find hCG in urine are widely available. For more information, see the topic Home Pregnancy Tests.
- A blood test for hCG is generally more accurate than a urine test. If pregnancy is suspected even after urine test results do not show a pregnancy (negative results), a blood test can be done, or another urine test should be repeated in a week.
- HCG results may remain high (positive) for up to four weeks after a miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) or therapeutic abortion.
- A normal hCG value does not rule out the possibility of a tumor in the uterus, ovaries, or testicles. HCG is only one part of an overall evaluation when a tumor is suspected.
- The level of hCG in the blood is often used in a maternal serum triple or quadruple screening test. For more information, see the topic Triple or Quad Screening for Birth Defects.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 6, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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