Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) Test, Pregnancy Test

Results

The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test is done to measure the amount of the hormone hCG in blood or urine to see whether a woman is pregnant. HCG may also be measured to see whether cancer of the ovaries or testicles is present.

Normal

Normal values may vary from lab to lab.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in blood

Men and nonpregnant women:		Less than 5 international units per liter (IU/L)
Pregnant women:	About 24 to 28 days after the last menstrual period (LMP):	5–100 IU/L
	4 to 5 weeks after the LMP:	50–500 IU/L
	5 to 6 weeks after the LMP:	100–10,000 IU/L
	Peak, 14 to 16 weeks after the LMP:	12,000–270,000 IU/L

 

hCG levels in urine

Men:	None (negative test)
Nonpregnant women:	None (negative test)
Pregnant women:	Detectable (positive test)

 

High values

• If you are pregnant, very high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can mean a multiple pregnancy (such as twins or triplets), a molar pregnancy, Down syndrome, or that you are further along in an early pregnancy than estimated by your last menstrual period (LMP).
• In a man or a nonpregnant woman, a high hCG level can mean a tumor (cancerous or noncancerous) that develops from a sperm or egg cell (germ cell tumor), such as a tumor of the testicles or ovaries, is present. It may also mean some types of cancer, such as cancer of the stomach, pancreas, large intestine, liver, or lung.

Low values

• If you are pregnant, low levels of hCG can mean an ectopic pregnancy, death of your baby, or that you are not as far along in an early pregnancy as estimated by your last menstrual period (LMP).
• If you are pregnant, levels of hCG that are decreasing abnormally can mean a miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) is very likely.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: May 29, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.