Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Quantitative Test
This test measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy, in your blood or urine. It helps track early pregnancy or detect conditions like ectopic pregnancy or certain cancers.
["hCG levels can indicate pregnancy or other health conditions requiring medical attention."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30243-0
- Short code
- HCG Intact SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- HCG Intact SerPl-aCnc
- 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
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order an hCG test to confirm pregnancy, monitor its progress, or investigate symptoms like unusual bleeding, pain, or signs of a possible ectopic pregnancy. It may also be used in fertility treatments or to check for conditions like gestational trophoblastic disease.
When Might You Get This Test?
You might receive this test during early pregnancy (often as early as 6–10 days after ovulation) or if you’re experiencing symptoms that suggest a problem with pregnancy. Some women get it as part of fertility evaluations or during cancer screenings.
What to Expect Before the Test
For a blood test, you’ll typically fast for a few hours before the draw. For a urine test, you may collect a sample at home or in a lab. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will take a small blood sample from your arm or provide a urine sample. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. Results are usually available within a few days.
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 often signal pregnancy, with levels rising steadily in early pregnancy. Very low or absent levels may indicate a failed pregnancy or other issues. Abnormally high levels can suggest conditions like molar pregnancy or certain cancers. Always discuss results with your provider for personalized interpretation.
Short name
hCG Level
Frequently asked questions
When can I expect to get my results?
What do my results mean?
Can I take anything to prepare for this 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