hCG Test
Also known as: Pregnancy test; qualitative hCG; quantitative hCG; beta hCG
Formal name: Human chorionic gonadotropin
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To confirm and monitor pregnancy or to diagnose trophoblastic disease or germ cell tumours
When to Get Tested?
As early as 10 days after a missed menstrual period (some methods can detect hCG even earlier, at one week after conception) or if a doctor thinks that your symptoms suggest ectopic pregnancy, a failing pregnancy, trophoblastic disease or germ cell tumours
Sample Required?
A urine sample collected first thing in the morning or a blood sample taken from a vein in the arm
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