Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Some cancer cells can produce it as well. A blood test using a needle in the arm is commonly used to determine the level of hCG. It can also be determined with a urine sample. You do not need to do anything particular to prepare for the exam. Your Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) levels may be higher than usual for a variety of reasons. Since you are pregnant or have a certain type of bowel disease, a stomach ulcer, or cirrhosis of the liver, your hCG level may be greater than normal. If you smoke cannabis, your HCG level may be elevated (marijuana).
An elevated hCG level in the blood may aid your doctor in diagnosing: Germ cell tumours of the ovary and testicular caused by gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) (both cancerous and non-cancerous tumours)
