Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) Identified in the early 20th century, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone that rises quickly in the first few weeks of<unk> , typically reaching a peak at 8- to 10-weeks gestational age. hCG is produced by what will become the placenta. hCG<unk> ing can be performed with a blood (serum) sample (typically done in a medical facility) or with urine (which can be performed in a medical facility or at home). The assays used to detect the presence of hCG in blood or urine are generally reliable and inexpensive. Secretion of hCG can occur as soon as 6 days following ovulation and on average 8-10 days following ovulation; this is the earliest hCG can be detected in a blood sample. The hCG concentration in blood is higher than in urine. Therefore, a blood<unk>  can be positive while the urine<unk>  is still negative. Qualitative<unk> s (yes/no or positive/negative results) look for the presence of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in blood or urine. For a qualitative<unk>  the thresholds for a positive<unk>  are generally determined by an hCG cut-off where at least 95% of pregnant women would get a positive result on the day of their first missed period. Qualitative urine<unk> s vary in sensitivity. High-sensitivity<unk> s are more common and typically detect hCG levels between 20-50 milli-international units/mL (mIU/mL). Low-sensitivity<unk> s detect hCG levels between 1500-2000 mIU/mL and have unique clinical applications, including confirmation of medication abortion success. Qualitative urine<unk> s available for home use are typically designed as lateral flow<unk> s. Quantitative<unk> s measure the exact amount of hCG in the sample. Blood<unk> s can detect hCG levels as low as 1 mIU/mL, and typically clinicians will diagnose a positive<unk>  at 5mIU/mL. +Table 1. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) detection thresholds by<unk>  type and sample type Urine<unk>  Blood<unk>  Detection thresholds High-sensitivity: Qualitative<unk> : 20 to 50 mIU/mL, depending on<unk>  Low-sensitivity: Qualitative<unk> : 1500-2000 mIU/mL, depending on<unk>  Qualitative<unk> : 5 to 10 mIU/mL, depending on<unk>  Quantitative<unk> : 1 to 2 mIU/mL for an ultrasensitive<unk>  There is a multilevel urine<unk>  (MLPT) that measures hCG levels semiquantitatively. The hCG levels are measured at 10,000 mIU/mL. This<unk>  has utility for determining the success of medication abortion. Ultrasound Obstetric ultrasonography may also be used to detect and diagnose<unk> . It is very common to have a positive at home urine<unk>  before an ultrasound. Both abdominal and vaginal ultrasound may be used, but vaginal ultrasound allows for earlier visualization of the<unk> . With obstetric ultrasonography the gestational sac (intrauterine fluid collection) can be visualized at 4.5 to 5 weeks gestation, the yolk sac at 5 to 6 weeks gestation, and fetal pole at 5.5 to 6 weeks gestation. Ultrasound is used to diagnose multiple gestation.
Pregnancy test
Birth control 
Birth control
Prenatal care
Male genital examination
Pregnancy options counseling
Cervical screening
Pelvic examination