Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-hCG) in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. It helps confirm pregnancy and monitor its progress.
["β-hCG is critical for early pregnancy detection and monitoring fetal development."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72865-9
- Short code
- MTB ethB ethion res mut Islt/Spm Ql
- Synonyms
- MTB ethB ethion res mut Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- 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 a β-hCG test to confirm pregnancy, especially if you have missed periods or suspect pregnancy. It can also be used to check for ectopic pregnancies, monitor high-risk pregnancies, or evaluate fertility issues. In some cases, it may be used during early pregnancy to assess fetal development or detect complications like miscarriage or molar pregnancy.
When Might You Need This Test?
A β-hCG test is typically performed during early pregnancy, often as part of a routine prenatal check or when symptoms like nausea, missed periods, or unusual bleeding occur. It may also be done after an ectopic pregnancy diagnosis or during fertility evaluations.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves drawing blood. If you’re taking medications that affect hormone levels, inform your provider beforehand.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort but no lasting effects.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated β-hCG levels strongly suggest pregnancy, with levels rising steadily in early pregnancy. Very low or absent levels may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or failure of fertilization. Rapidly rising levels can help confirm a viable pregnancy, while abnormally slow increases may signal complications. High levels in non-pregnant individuals can sometimes indicate conditions like ovarian tumors.
Short name
β-hCG Level
Frequently asked questions
How Soon Can I Get Results?
What Do My Results Mean?
Can I Take This Test at Home?
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