What Is an hCG Blood Test?

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is produced during pregnancy. It is the hormone detected by pregnancy tests.

Types

  • Qualitative: yes/no (home pregnancy test)
  • Quantitative (beta-hCG): exact level in blood

Normal Ranges in Pregnancy

  • 3–4 weeks: 5–426 mIU/mL
  • 4–5 weeks: 19–7,340 mIU/mL
  • 5–6 weeks: 1,080–56,500 mIU/mL
  • Doubles every 48–72 hours in early pregnancy

Non-Pregnancy Uses

  • Gestational trophoblastic disease (molar pregnancy)
  • Certain testicular tumors produce hCG
  • Monitoring after miscarriage or termination
Source: Endocrine Society, NLM MedlinePlus.

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