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Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

HCG in urine

Definition:

This type of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test measures the specific level of HCG in the urine. HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy.

See also:

Alternative Names: Beta-HCG - urine; Human chorionic gonadotropin - urine

How the test is performed:

As you urinate, collect a urine sample in 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.

Usually a first-morning sample (the first time you urinate in the morning) is preferred, because it is the most concentrated.

How to prepare for the test:

No special preparation is needed.

How the test will feel:

The test involves normal urination into a cup or onto a stick.

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 Values:

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 about 98% 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.

What the risks are:

There are essentially no risks (except for "false positive" or "false negative" results).

Special considerations:

Drugs that can decrease HCG measurements include diuretics and promethazine.

Drugs that can increase HCG measurements include anticonvulsants, anti-parkinsonian drugs, phenothiazine, and promethazine.

Review Date: 11/17/2006
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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