HCG in urine

Definition

This type of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG or hCG) test checks if there is a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin in your urine. HCG is a hormone produced in the body during pregnancy.

Other HCG tests include:

• HCG in blood serum -- qualitative
• HCG in blood serum -- quantitative
• Pregnancy test

Alternative Names

Beta-HCG - urine; Human chorionic gonadotropin - urine; Pregnancy test - hCG in urine

How the Test is Performed

To collect a urine sample, you urinate into a special (sterile) cup. Home pregnancy tests require the test strip to be dipped into the urine sample or passed through the urine stream while urinating. Carefully follow package directions.

In most cases, a urine sample taken the first time you urinate in the morning is best. This is when urine is the most concentrated and has enough HCG to be detected.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is needed.

How the Test will Feel

The test involves urinating into a cup or onto a test strip.

Why the Test is Performed

Urine HCG tests are a common method of determining if a woman is pregnant. The best time to test for pregnancy at home is after you miss your period.

Normal Results

The test result will be reported as negative or positive.

• The test is negative if you are not pregnant.
• The test is positive if you are pregnant.

A pregnancy test, including a properly performed home pregnancy test, is considered to be very accurate. Positive results are more likely to be accurate than negative results. When the test is negative but pregnancy is still suspected, the test should be repeated in 1 week.

Risks

There are no risks, except for false positive or false negative results.

References

Jeelani R, Bluth MH. Reproductive function and pregnancy. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 26.

Nerenz RD, Braga JA. Pregnancy and its disorders. In: Rifai N, Chiu RWK, Young I, Burnham Carey-Ann D, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 59.