Early Detection of HCG in the Urine

Human chorionic gonadotropin is the hormone produced by an embryo and is the hormone detected by home pregnancy tests. Women produce hCG in different amounts and home pregnancy tests have different levels of sensitivity, so what works for one women may not work for another.

  1. Conception

    • Conception occurs when sperm joins an egg. Because the sperm can live in a woman's body for three to five days and the egg lives for about 24 hours, the actual day of conception is difficult to pinpoint, according to PeeOnAStick.com.

    Implantation

    • After the egg joins with the sperm, the fertlized egg travels down the woman's fallopian tube and implants into the lining of the uterus. According to BabyHopes.com, this process takes about seven to 10 days. Once the egg implants in the uterus, it produces hCG, the hormone detected by home pregnancy tests. According to PeeOnAStick.com, it starts to make its way to your urine in about two days.

    Detection

    • Home pregnancy tests detect hCG in your urine and turn positive when the level in your urine is greater than their sensitivity. Some pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others and will turn positive when lower levels of hCG are detected.

    HCG levels

    • According to AmericanPregnancy.com, hCG levels at three weeks past the previous menstrual period range from 5 to 50 and at four weeks past the last menstrual period range from 5 to 426.

    Testing

    • Because the date of conception is unknown and the time for implantation varies, knowing when you can test is difficult to determine. According to AmericanPregnancy.org, testing at about 12 to 14 days after ovulation will provide you with more trustworthy results

    Considerations

    • HCG levels double every 48 to 72 hours, so if you get a negative test, wait a few days and retest. If you do not start your menstrual period, consult your doctor.

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