Human Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-hCG) Immunoassay, Serum
This test measures the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. It helps confirm pregnancy or detect conditions like ectopic pregnancy.
["A β-hCG test is often the first step in pregnancy confirmation or monitoring for serious complications."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44458-8
- Short code
- BRUCGM
- Synonyms
- B abortus IgG+IgM Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube; transfer serum to sterile cryovial if prolonged storage needed
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.9
- Ref high
- 1.1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for qualitative/quantitative detection of Brucella abortus IgG and IgM antibodies
- CPT
- 86622
- SNOMED
- 395121001
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable at room temperature (15-25°C) for 8 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) for 7 days; frozen at -20°C or below for up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 200
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you suspect you are pregnant, have missed a menstrual period, or experience symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, or unusual vaginal bleeding. It can also be used to monitor pregnancy progression or check for conditions like molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. You may feel a small pinch when the needle goes in, but the procedure is quick and usually doesn’t cause discomfort afterward.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results can vary widely depending on the stage of pregnancy or the condition being tested. A positive result indicates the presence of β-hCG, which is typically associated with pregnancy. However, false positives can occur in certain non-pregnancy conditions, so follow-up testing may be needed.
Common Conditions Monitored or Diagnosed
This test is critical in diagnosing early pregnancy, confirming pregnancy viability, and detecting potential complications such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or molar pregnancy. It can also be used in fertility treatments to monitor hormone levels.
Reference range
Negative: <0.9 units; Equivocal: 0.9-1.1 units; Positive: >1.1 units. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings, patient history, and exposure risk.N/A
No fasting required. Patients should be informed that recent antibiotic therapy may affect antibody levels. Avoid collecting during acute hemolysis or extreme lipemia for optimal results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated β-hCG levels are strongly suggestive of pregnancy, but very low levels may indicate early pregnancy loss or an ectopic pregnancy. Rapidly rising levels can suggest a healthy pregnancy, while a plateau or falling level may signal complications. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for accurate interpretation.
Short name
β-hCG Level
Frequently asked questions
When should I expect results?
What does a low β-hCG level mean?
Can I take anything before the test?
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.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy