Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Quantitative Serum Test
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.
hCG levels can signal pregnancy or certain health concerns; results guide next steps in care.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80385-8
- Short code
- HCG Ser Ql IA.rapid
- Synonyms
- HCG Ser Ql IA.rapid
- 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-rapid
- 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 This Test Is Done
Doctors order an hCG test to confirm pregnancy, especially in early stages, or to check for conditions like a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other hormonal imbalances. It may also be used during fertility treatments or to monitor certain cancers.
How the Test Works
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The lab analyzes the serum portion for hCG levels using an immunoassay method, which detects the hormone’s presence and concentration.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but inform your doctor about any medications or conditions that might affect results, such as certain infections or hormonal therapies.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported in international units per milliliter (IU/mL). Low or absent levels may indicate no pregnancy or early miscarriage, while very high levels could suggest complications like ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.
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.
Elevated hCG levels are critical in pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring. Abnormal levels may prompt further evaluation, such as ultrasounds or additional blood tests, to assess fetal health or rule out complications. In non-pregnant individuals, elevated levels can signal conditions like gestational trophoblastic disease or certain cancers.
Short name
hCG Serum
Frequently asked questions
When might I need this test?
What does a normal hCG level mean?
Can medications affect my hCG test 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