Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Quantitative Test
This test measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. It helps track early pregnancy or detect conditions like ectopic pregnancy or certain cancers.
["HCG levels can signal pregnancy or other health concerns—this test provides critical insights for medical follow-up."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16617-3
- Short code
- HCG Intact Smn-sCnc
- Synonyms
- HCG Intact Smn-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 doctor may order an HCG test to confirm pregnancy, monitor its progress, or check for conditions like a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or gestational trophoblastic disease. It’s also used in fertility treatments or to evaluate symptoms like unusual bleeding or pain.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel a small pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. If you’re pregnant, you might also have a urine test for HCG, but this is less precise than a blood test.
What Does a Low or High HCG Level Mean?
Low levels may indicate early pregnancy complications, missed miscarriage, or non-pregnancy-related causes. High levels can signal pregnancy, but very high levels may suggest conditions like molar pregnancy or certain cancers.
How Often Is This Test Done?
If you’re pregnant, your doctor may check HCG levels at intervals (e.g., every 48 hours in early pregnancy) to monitor growth. Non-pregnant individuals may have it once for screening or diagnostic purposes.
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.
Clinical Significance: HCG Levels Play a Key Role in Pregnancy and Beyond
Short name
HCG Level
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor ask for this test?
What if my HCG levels are rising too slowly?
Can HCG levels be affected by other medications or conditions?
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