Chorionic Gonadotropin Tests for Diagnosis of Pregnancy and Chorionic Tumors

Abstract

Human chorionic gonadotropin can be measured in urine and serum by biologic, immunologic or radioimmunoassay methods. In normal pregnancy, the HCG level rises rapidly shortly after implantation of the ovum, usually peaks between weeks 8 and 10, declines sharply between weeks 12 and 15, and then remains fairly constant until parturition. In tumors of placental origin, such as hydatid mole and choriocarcinoma, HCG levels are strikingly high.