 |
| |
Medical Health Tests >>
Pathology Test >>
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Test |
|
| |
|
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Test - Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Test, Reasons, Preparation and Procedure to Conduct
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Test
Human chorionic gonadotrophin is a glycoprotein that is produced by the fetus. This substance is extremely important because it stops the corpus luteum from getting destroyed. The corpus luteum is the site from where the pregnancy hormone progesterone is stimulated. As long as this hormone is being secreted, the regular menstrual cycle will not occur and the endometrium will remain intact – ensuring that pregnancy is maintained. Human chorionic gonadotrophin or hCG is one of the most important markers of pregnancy because it is secreted first. In tests, it is this glycoprotein that is secreted; however, by just testing for this hormone, there could be a possibility of false positives occurring. Instead, a subunit of hCG called beta human chorionic gonadotrophin is taken as a more definite marker.
Reasons for Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Test
The test for human chorionic gonadotrophin hormone is performed to check for pregnancy. The more accurate test would, however, be a beta hCG test instead. This is because hCG is the first part of the pregnancy secretions. The problem with hCG is that it is chemically quite similar to other hormones like luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone that are secreted during ovulation. In fact, in this regard, the hCG test is conducted to check for the start of ovulation so that a woman’s eggs can then be collected and fertilized artificially. The test is also conducted in men as hCG is also secreted in men in the testes and increases the amount of testosterone produced. Increased levels of hCG in men indicate the possibility of testicular cancer.
Procedure to Conduct Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Test
The hCG test is a rather simple test that can be done by checking serum levels or levels of hCG in urine. This is the well-known pregnancy test that is taken by thousands of women all over the world every day where a few drops of urine is dropped onto a plate that will recognize the presence of hCG by turning either blue or red.
Preparation for Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Test
There is no specific preparation that needs to be done for the test; however, taking the test in the morning is shown to give a better picture of the peak levels of hCG. This is important for couples taking IVF treatments to ensure that they know exactly when ovulation is about to begin. Urinary dilution could also be a concern so it is advised that you do not drink too much water before taking the test.
|
|
|
| |
Submitted on
December 2, 2009 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
 Today's
Poll | |