Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in Serum or Plasma
This test measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy, in your blood or plasma. It helps track early pregnancy or detect certain conditions.
["hCG is key for pregnancy confirmation and monitoring early-stage development."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 83086-9
- Short code
- HCG SerPl IA-aCnc
- Synonyms
- HCG SerPl IA-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
- Method
- ia
- 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, especially if you have missed periods or suspect pregnancy. It can also be used to monitor high-risk pregnancies, diagnose ectopic pregnancies, or check for conditions like molar pregnancy. In non-pregnant individuals, it may be used to evaluate conditions affecting hormone production or fertility.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel a small pinch when the needle is inserted, but the process usually takes only a few minutes. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Common Results?
Results are typically reported in international units per milliliter (IU/mL). Early pregnancy levels rise quickly, but exact reference ranges vary by lab and individual health. Your provider will interpret results based on your specific situation.
What Are Possible Results and Next Steps?
If your hCG level is very low or undetectable, it may indicate early pregnancy, non-pregnancy, or other health concerns. If levels are high, it could suggest pregnancy complications or other hormonal conditions. Follow-up tests or consultations may be recommended based on your results and symptoms.
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 is primarily used in pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring. Elevated levels may indicate multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets), molar pregnancy, or certain cancers (e.g., testicular or ovarian tumors). Very low or absent levels in early pregnancy may signal miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or failure to conceive. Non-pregnant individuals with abnormal hCG levels may need further evaluation for hormonal imbalances or other underlying conditions.
Short name
hCG Level
Frequently asked questions
Why might my hCG test be done at different times during pregnancy?
Can lifestyle factors, like diet or exercise, affect hCG levels?
What if my hCG test shows a very high or very low level?
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