Description

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by trophoblastic tissue

and it appears around the 8-9th day after ovulation where fertilization

has occurred, or around the 4th day after conception. In a 28 day cycle

with ovulation occurring at day 14, hCG can be detected in urine or

serum in minute quantities around day 23, or 5 days before the expected

menstruation. Its function includes facilitation of implantation as well as

maintenance and development of the corpus luteum. The hormone

concentration doubles approximately every 2 days and peaks between 7- 12 weeks

after the first day of the last of the last menstrual Persian with a mean

concentration of 50,000 mIU/ml. Concentrations as high as 100,000 mIU/ml have been

reported in normal pregnancy during the first trimester.

In normal subjects, hCG in urine provides an early indication of pregnancy.