D3.1.17 (HL)—Pregnancy testing
Pregnancy tests detect HCG, a hormone secreted by the embryo that maintains the corpus luteum and progesterone secretion early in pregnancy.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- D3.1.17
- Level
- HL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing12%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2024
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1
Common command terms
- Identify
Scoring notes
- Common mistake
- Placing HCG production in the pituitary, corpus luteum or ovary instead of the embryo.
Recent exam appearances
May 2024Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ140[ 1 ]D3.1.17 (HL)—Pregnancy testing
May 2023Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ137[ 1 ]D3.1.17 (HL)—Pregnancy testing
November 2022Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ040[ 1 ]D3.1.17 (HL)—Pregnancy testing
May 2022Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ240[ 1 ]D3.1.17 (HL)—Pregnancy testing
May 2022Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ140[ 1 ]D3.1.17 (HL)—Pregnancy testing
Practice this objective
Coverage 2013–2024 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- HCG is secreted by the embryo during early pregnancy.
- HCG maintains the corpus luteum so progesterone secretion continues.
- Pregnancy tests detect HCG using monoclonal antibodies.