Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. It helps confirm pregnancy or evaluate conditions that may cause abnormal hCG levels.
["hCG is key for pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring certain health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2118-8
- Short code
- HCG SerPl Ql
- Synonyms
- HCG SerPl Ql
- 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?
Doctors may order an hCG test to check for pregnancy, especially if you have missed periods, unusual vaginal bleeding, or symptoms like nausea or breast tenderness. It can also be used to monitor early pregnancy or detect conditions like ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, or certain cancers (e.g., testicular or ovarian).
What Does a High or Low hCG Level Mean?
High levels of hCG are most commonly associated with pregnancy. However, very high levels can sometimes indicate complications like molar pregnancy. Low levels may suggest early pregnancy loss, a non-pregnant state, or certain medical conditions. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where it is tested for hCG levels using an immunoassay method. This process usually takes a few hours to complete.
What Should You Expect Before the Test?
No special preparation is needed for this test. You can eat, drink, or take medications as usual. If you are pregnant, inform your healthcare provider before the test.
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.
hCG levels are critical in pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring. In early pregnancy, hCG levels rise steadily and can help confirm a viable pregnancy. Abnormal levels may indicate issues such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or molar pregnancy. Outside of pregnancy, elevated hCG can be linked to certain cancers, though this is rare. Low levels may signal conditions like early pregnancy failure or non-pregnant states.
Short name
hCG Serum/Plasma
Frequently asked questions
What Are the Normal Ranges?
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Can I Take Anything Before the 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