This test is for early detection of pregnancy.

The human chorioic gonadotropin is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the developing

placenta shortly after fertilization. The hCG appears within a week after conception and stays

during the early stages of pregnancy.

The assay employs a combination of hCG monoclonal antibodies to selectively detect elevated

levels of hCG in urine specimens. The immunological specificity of the test virtually eliminates

cross reactivity with or interference by the structurally related glycoprotein hormones human

follicle stimulating hormone, human luteinizing hormone and human thyroid stimulating hormone

at physiological levels. However, a number of conditions other than pregnancy can give a

positive test result. They include trophoblastic disease, proteinuria, haematuria, chorion

carcinoma, ovarian and testicular teratomas. As with all diagnostic tests, the laboratory findings

must be interpreted alongside clinical findings.