After conception, the hCG hormone starts soon after a fertilized egg embeds itself in your uterine wall. The presence of hCG, also known as the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, is detected through a urine or blood test to confirm your pregnancy. The hCG hormone shows up in your body in less than two weeks after conception occurs.
About hCG
The hCG hormone is manufactured by cells in the placenta after a fertilized egg is implanted in your uterus. According to the National Women's Health Information Center, the hCG hormone starts around six days after sperm meets ovum; however, in 10 percent of women, the fertilized egg isn't implanted until after the first day after a menstrual period is missed. The American Pregnancy Association, or APA, indicates that the hCG hormone in your body can be detected through a blood test around 11 days after conception. hCG shows up in your urine slightly later, between 12 and 14 days after conception.
hCG Levels
Every day you're pregnant, the amount of hCG in your body increases rapidly. The APA indicates that in 85 percent of normal pregnancies, hCG levels double every 48 to 72 hours. However, as pregnancy progresses and hCG levels are even more elevated, it may take 96 hours for your levels to double. The APA stresses the importance of not placing too much emphasis on low hCG levels. hCG levels are usually taken every two days if the health of your pregnancy is questionable.
Qualitative hCG Testing
There are two ways to detect the hCG hormone: qualitative and quantitative testing. Qualitative testing, which can be done by testing the urine or blood, simply determines if hCG is present, but it does not measure the specific amount. Home pregnancy tests that rely on urine testing are qualitative tests.
Quantitative hCG Testing
A quantitative hCG test measures the specific amount of hCG present in milli-international units per milliliter, or mIU/ml. Quantitative testing is performed by taking a sample of your blood, says the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. Quantitative hCG testing also helps your doctor identify problematic pregnancies, such as an ectopic or molar pregnancy, as well as miscarriage. A quantitative hCG test can also be used to diagnose medical conditions that cause elevated hCG levels in women that are not pregnant.
Home Testing
MayoClinic.com states that home pregnancy tests can accurately determine if hCG is present in your urine if you use them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Although most home pregnancy tests claim to give results that are 99 percent accurate the day after a missed period, MayoClinic.com advises waiting a week before using one to get reliable results. If you want to know if you're pregnant before this time, talk to your doctor.
