: Pregnancy Test, Qualitative (Function/Behavior Assessment)
: A pregnancy test checks for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) that the body makes after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Results are usually reported as positive (pregnant) or negative (not pregnant).
[": A pregnancy test detects the hormone hCG to help determine whether someone is pregnant."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 46864-5
- Short code
- PREGNANCYFUNCTIONBEHAVIOR
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- observed-omaha
- 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 This Test Measures
: This test looks for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. hCG can be detected in blood or urine, and its presence is used as an indicator of pregnancy.
: How the Test Is Done
: Depending on the type ordered, the test uses a sample of blood drawn from a vein or a urine sample. Blood testing can detect hCG earlier than many urine tests. Your healthcare provider will tell you which sample type is being collected.
: What Results Mean
: A positive result generally suggests pregnancy, while a negative result suggests pregnancy is not detected at the time of testing. Results are usually described as positive or negative rather than as specific numbers. Very early pregnancy or certain conditions can affect results, so your provider interprets findings in context.
: Why the Test May Be Ordered
: Providers order a pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy, to evaluate symptoms such as a missed period, or as a routine check before certain medical procedures or treatments that may not be safe during pregnancy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: A pregnancy test is a widely used screening tool for detecting hCG. A positive result should be discussed with a healthcare provider, who may recommend follow-up testing or an ultrasound to confirm and date the pregnancy. A negative result does not always rule out very early pregnancy, and repeat testing may be needed.
Short name
: Pregnancy Test
Frequently asked questions
: Can a pregnancy test be wrong?
: How early can a pregnancy test detect pregnancy?
: Do I need to fast before a pregnancy 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy