Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Serum/Plasma — Substance Concentration
Measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in blood. It is commonly used to confirm and monitor pregnancy and may also help evaluate certain tumors.
["A blood hCG level can help confirm and monitor pregnancy and may provide information about certain tumors."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2109-7
- Short code
- A-HCG SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- A-HCG SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84702
- SNOMED
- 275917004
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is a hormone produced during pregnancy. This blood test measures the concentration of hCG in serum or plasma.
Why might I need this test?
A serum or plasma hCG test is often used to confirm pregnancy and may be repeated to assess how a pregnancy is progressing. Your clinician may also order it when investigating or monitoring certain germ-cell or trophoblastic tumors, which can produce hCG.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein and tested in the laboratory, usually with an immunoassay. The result reports the concentration of hCG in the blood.
How do I prepare for the test?
This test usually requires no special preparation. Follow any instructions from your clinician or laboratory, and tell them if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.
Reference range
Non-pregnant: <5 mIU/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
In pregnancy, hCG is normally present and its pattern of rise can help clinicians assess pregnancy progression. Levels that are lower than expected or do not rise appropriately may indicate a problem such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or reduced viability. Elevated hCG outside pregnancy can occur with some ovarian, testicular, or other germ-cell tumors and is interpreted alongside the clinical findings and other tests.
Short name
hCG, Serum/Plasma
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a home pregnancy test?
Why are hCG levels checked more than once?
Can a high hCG result mean cancer?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy