Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Mass Concentration in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy, in your blood. It helps track early pregnancy progression or detect conditions like ectopic pregnancy.
["The hCG test is critical for pregnancy monitoring and early diagnosis of pregnancy-related issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1600-6
- Short code
- LH pre GnRH SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- LH pre GnRH SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.5
- Ref high
- 9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83002
- 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, monitor how your pregnancy is developing, or investigate symptoms like missed periods, severe nausea, or unusual bleeding. It can also help diagnose conditions like molar pregnancy or early miscarriage.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves drawing blood. Wear comfortable clothing and bring any medications you’re currently taking.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a brief pinch, but the process usually takes just a few minutes. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are reported in international units per milliliter (IU/mL). Very low or undetectable levels may indicate no pregnancy or an early miscarriage. Very high levels could suggest complications like a molar pregnancy or other conditions. Your results will be interpreted by your provider based on your medical history and symptoms.
Reference range
Follicular: 1.5-9.0 mIU/mLN/A
For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated hCG levels are the gold standard for confirming pregnancy, typically rising after implantation. Early pregnancy hCG doubles every 48–72 hours, helping track fetal development. Abnormal levels may signal issues like ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, or miscarriage, prompting further evaluation.
Short name
hCG Level
Frequently asked questions
When will I get my results?
What if my hCG level is too low?
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