Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Quantitative, Serum/Plasma
This test measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced after pregnancy begins. It helps track early pregnancy or detect conditions like ectopic pregnancy or certain cancers.
["Helps confirm pregnancy or monitor reproductive health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2117-0
- Short code
- HCG Intact SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- HCG Intact SerPl-sCnc
- 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 this test to confirm pregnancy, especially if you’re experiencing early symptoms like missed periods, nausea, or breast tenderness. It can also be used to monitor conditions like molar pregnancy, miscarriage, or certain cancers, such as testicular or ovarian tumors, where hCG levels may be elevated.
When Might You Need This Test?
You might need this test if you’re pregnant, have symptoms of pregnancy (like unusual bleeding or severe morning sickness), or if your doctor suspects a condition affecting hormone levels. It’s also sometimes checked during fertility treatments or if you’ve experienced unexplained symptoms like nausea or fatigue.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. If you’re pregnant, your provider may advise timing the test around the first missed period for the most accurate results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will take a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood will be sent to a lab for analysis. The results are typically available within a few days, depending on your lab’s processing time.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
hCG Level
Frequently asked questions
High levels of hCG can indicate early pregnancy, but very high levels may suggest complications like ectopic pregnancy or a molar pregnancy. Very low or absent levels could mean you’re not pregnant or may have experienced a miscarriage. In non-pregnant individuals, elevated hCG can sometimes signal certain cancers or other hormonal imbalances.
If you’re trying to confirm pregnancy, the test is most reliable around the first missed period, but some women may need it earlier if symptoms are strong. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice for the best timing.
Yes, you can drink water before the blood draw unless your provider specifies otherwise. Avoid alcohol or caffeine before the test if instructed, as it may affect your results.
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