Hormones & Steroids

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein with an alpha subunit identical to that of LH, FSH and TSH, and a unique beta-subunit. It is a hormone produced by cells of the fetal placenta and it maintains the function of the corpus luteum during the first 3 to 4 months of pregnancy. hCG is secreted as soon as the trophoblast implants in the uterine wall and it is at its highest concentration between the 7th and 10th weeks of pregnancy. The urine of women in the first month of pregnancy contains enough hCG to be detected by ELISA. Total hCG is commonly used to confirm and monitor pregnancy, but it also has clinical utility in detecting miscarriages, preeclampsia, neoplasms, trophoblastic diseases, and risk calculations for Trisomy-21 and Trisomy-18. Some cancerous tumors also produce beta-hCG and accordingly, free beta-hCG has some use as a tumor marker in gestational trophoblastic disease, certain testicular tumors, where the ratios of the free β subunit to intact hCG can be quite high. Free β -hCG may also have clinical utility in first-and second-trimester prenatal screening for Down syndrome and other chromosomal anomalies. Qualitative blood tests based on lateral flow technology can detect hCG levels as low as 10 mIU/mL-100ml U/mL, depending on the brand. Each of these assays are based on the two-site sandwich enzyme immunoassay principles and are prone to possible false-positive results from heterophilic antibodies.

Reagents for Immunoassay Development

MAF05-043

MAb to hCG beta • Recognizes the beta subunit of intact hCG • Does not cross-react with hCG alpha subunit MAb to hCG beta • Cross-reactivity: LH (0.5%) • Detection Antibody MAb to hCG beta • Specifically recognizes the beta subunit of hCG • Does not cross-react with hLH, hTSH or hFSH

Suitable for use in ELISA

MAF05-627

E86820M

• Capture Antibody MAb to hCG beta

Suitable for use in ELISA & LF

E86308M

• Specifically recognizes the beta subunit of hCG • Does not cross-react with hLH, hTSH and hFSH • Detection Antibody