Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Mass Concentration in Serum
This test measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy, in your blood. It helps track early pregnancy or detect conditions like ectopic pregnancy.
["HCG levels are critical for pregnancy monitoring and certain medical conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2105-5
- Short code
- HCG Smn-sCnc
- Synonyms
- HCG 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
What Is HCG Used For?
HCG is primarily used to confirm pregnancy, monitor its progress, and detect complications such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. It can also be checked in non-pregnant individuals for conditions like ovarian tumors or certain cancers.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The lab processes the serum portion of your blood to measure HCG levels using a sensitive immunoassay method.
When Might You Need This Test?
You may need this test if you suspect pregnancy, have irregular menstrual periods, experience symptoms like nausea or missed periods, or if your doctor suspects a condition affecting HCG levels.
What Are Common Results?
Results are expressed in units per liter (IU/L). Very low or undetectable levels may indicate no pregnancy or other health concerns. Elevated levels can suggest pregnancy or certain medical conditions.
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 Diagnosis and Monitoring. Low or absent levels may signal early pregnancy failure, while rising levels confirm progression. Abnormal spikes can indicate complications like ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy, prompting further evaluation.
Short name
HCG Serum Test
Frequently asked questions
Why was I asked to take this test?
What do my HCG test results mean?
Can I eat or drink before this 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