HCG (qualitative - urine)

Alternative names:

beta-HCG - qualitative - urine

How the test is performed:

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.

Most pregnancy tests depend on the process of agglutination. Sensitized red blood cells are mixed with the urine (in a test tube, on a slide, or by other methods). If you are pregnant, there will be antibodies in the urine that cause the red blood cells to clump (agglutinate). Some of the more sensitive urine tests use monoclonal antibodies rather than sensitized red blood cells.

Some 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:

No special preparation is needed. The first morning urine sample is often recommended.

How the test will feel:

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:

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 (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 to 30% of the peak value for the rest of the pregnancy. HCG serves to maintain 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. HCG also stimulates the development of fetal gonads and the synthesis of androgens by the fetal testes.