What does a positive HCG test indicate in a pregnant woman?

A positive human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test is indicative of pregnancy, as hCG is a hormone that is produced by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. While the presence of hCG suggests that a woman is pregnant, it can also raise the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy, which is when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube.

When hCG levels are elevated, healthcare providers must consider various outcomes, including the potential for ectopic pregnancy, especially if the levels do not rise as expected or if the patient presents with relevant symptoms like abdominal pain. Therefore, a positive hCG test does not only confirm a typical intrauterine pregnancy but also implies a need for further evaluation to rule out complications such as an ectopic pregnancy.