The examination of HCG, which is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, is conducted to determine the amount of hormone HCG found in blood or urine to see if a female is pregnant. During pregnancy, the placenta forms the HCG.

The placenta will begin to discharge HCG into the blood and urine once the fertilized egg has embedded itself. In as early as six days after implantation, before your first missed menstrual period, HCG can be found in your blood.

The growth of the fetus is effected by HCG and it helps to preserve pregnancy. The baby’s health and information about the pregnancy can be determined by the amount HCG is increased to. After delivery, HCG will not be detected in the blood.

If there are twins or triplets, there will be even more HCG discharge amounts. If a ectopic pregnancy occurs, which is when the egg does not implant in the uterus, but in a place such as an oviduct, less HCG is released.

Usually, urine is tested to determine a pregnancy. This examination doesn’t tell the levels of HCG, but will show if the results are above the normal non-pregnant level. Home pregnancy kits are widely available and show HCG in urine.