Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Urine Pregnancy Test
This test measures the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy, in your urine. It helps determine whether you may be pregnant.
["This test checks for pregnancy by detecting hCG in your urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110541-0
- Short code
- HCG Msmt Ur
- Synonyms
- HCG Msmt Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- 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
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you suspect you might be pregnant, especially if you’ve missed a menstrual period or have other early pregnancy symptoms like nausea or breast tenderness. It can also be used during certain medical evaluations to monitor conditions like ectopic pregnancies or molar pregnancies.
How the Test Works
The test detects hCG, a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after conception. When hCG levels rise in your urine, the test can identify it, indicating a possible pregnancy. The test is typically qualitative, meaning it only tells you if hCG is present rather than how much.
Sample Collection and Preparation
You’ll collect a urine sample at home or in a lab using a simple dipstick or stick test. For dipstick tests, you’ll dip the test strip into your urine for a few seconds, then wait for the results to appear on the strip. For stick tests, you’ll touch the end of the stick to your urine and wait for the result. Follow the instructions provided with the test kit carefully.
What to Expect During the Test
The test is quick and painless. Dipstick or stick tests usually take about 2–5 minutes to provide results. If the test shows a positive result (usually indicated by a visible line or color change), it suggests you may be pregnant. A negative result means hCG was not detected in your urine at that 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.
A positive hCG urine test is highly suggestive of pregnancy, though it cannot confirm the exact location or viability of the pregnancy. Very early in pregnancy, hCG levels may be low, so a second test may be recommended if the first result is negative but you still suspect pregnancy. Elevated or rapidly rising hCG levels can help monitor pregnancy progression or identify complications like ectopic pregnancies, which require prompt medical attention.
Short name
hCG Urine Test
Frequently asked questions
How soon after conception can this test detect pregnancy?
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test be used to confirm a miscarriage or early pregnancy loss?
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