Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Quantitative Test
This test measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced after pregnancy begins, typically detected in blood.
["Measures pregnancy hormone levels to check for early pregnancy or other conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10470-3
- Short code
- HCG Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- Synonyms
- HCG Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- Category
- chemistry
- 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
- Method
- immune-stain
- 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 Does This Test Measure?
The hCG test detects the hormone hCG, which is produced by the placenta after implantation of a fertilized egg. It’s primarily used to confirm pregnancy, especially in early stages, but can also be checked for conditions like ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order an hCG test if you have symptoms like missed periods, nausea, or unusual vaginal bleeding, or if you’re experiencing early pregnancy signs. It’s also used in monitoring fertility treatments or diagnosing conditions affecting hormone levels.
When Is This Test Performed?
The test is usually done in the morning when hormone levels are typically highest. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm, and the sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Common Uses?
Common reasons include confirming pregnancy, assessing viability of a pregnancy, diagnosing miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, or evaluating hormonal imbalances.
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.
Elevated hCG levels strongly suggest pregnancy, but very low or absent levels may indicate early pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, or other hormonal disorders. Rapidly rising levels can signal a healthy pregnancy, while abnormal patterns may require further medical evaluation to rule out complications.
Short name
hCG Blood Test
Frequently asked questions
When can I expect results?
What does a positive result mean?
Is there anything I should avoid 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy