BHCG EIA Kit

Human chononic gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone with molecular weight of 46 kDa, secreted by the chorionic tissue in the placenta. HCG contains two different subunits (a and B) linked by non covalent bounds. The a subunit of HCG is common to several other hormones (LH, FSH,TSH). The B subunit, unique to HCG and responsible for biological specificity, has some sequence similarity with the B subunit of LH. HCG has an important role in maintaining the function of the corpus leteum the first weeks of pregnancy. Detectable levels of HCG (-5 IU/L) are present 8 to 11 days after conception.In healthy, non-pregnant individuals the concentration of HCG in serum is lower than 5 IU/L. Elevated HCG levels are seen in pregnancy, trophoblastic diseases, and germ cell tumors. The primary use of HCG measurement is for early detection and monitoring of pregnancy. HCG is also a useful tumor marker for tumors of the placenta (trophoblastic tumors) and some tumors of testis. Levels of HCG correlate with tumor volume and disease prognosis.