Pregnancy Status Screening Panel (Serum)
This test evaluates key biomarkers to help determine pregnancy status, including hormone levels and other indicators that may support or confirm pregnancy.
["Assesses critical pregnancy-related markers to guide medical decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 86643-4
- Short code
- Source for pregnancy status
- Synonyms
- Source for pregnancy status
- 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
- CPT
- 86592
- 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
The test includes measurements of substances like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and other pregnancy-related indicators, typically analyzed from serum. hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta after implantation, and its presence is a primary indicator of pregnancy. Additional components may include markers for early pregnancy viability or maternal health status.
Why It’s Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test to confirm pregnancy, assess early pregnancy health, or investigate symptoms such as missed periods, nausea, or other potential signs of pregnancy. It can also be used in fertility evaluations or during follow-up care.
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. After collection, the blood is processed to separate serum, which is then analyzed in a laboratory using immunoassay methods to detect pregnancy-related substances.
This test is typically performed in a clinical laboratory using sensitive immunoassay techniques to measure hormone concentrations accurately. Results are compared to established reference ranges to determine pregnancy status.
A positive result for hCG or other pregnancy markers strongly suggests pregnancy. Negative results indicate no detectable pregnancy hormones. Follow-up testing or additional evaluation may be recommended based on clinical context and symptoms.
A positive result confirms pregnancy, while a negative result means the test did not detect pregnancy hormones. If you are pregnant, further testing may be needed to monitor fetal development or maternal health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test plays a critical role in early pregnancy diagnosis, guiding decisions about next steps such as ultrasounds, further testing, or management of symptoms. Elevated or fluctuating hormone levels may also signal potential complications like ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, prompting additional medical evaluation.
Short name
Pregnancy Test Panel
Frequently asked questions
How soon can I expect results?
Can I take anything special before this test?
What if my results are inconclusive?
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