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