Home › Lab tests › Human chorionic gonadotropin, beta (β-hCG)

Human chorionic gonadotropin, beta (β-hCG)

Hormones & Fertility · also called hCG, Pregnancy test, Serum hCG

What it measures

hCG is a hormone made by the placenta shortly after implantation. Quantitative serum β-hCG confirms and dates pregnancy and, with serial levels, helps assess ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

Specimen and preparation

Specimen: Serum; first morning urine for qualitative tests
Tube: Gold top

Reference range

Group	Range
Non-pregnant	<5 mIU/mL
3 weeks after LMP	5–50 mIU/mL
5 weeks after LMP	18–7300 mIU/mL
Peak, 9–12 weeks	25,000–288,000 mIU/mL

Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.

Causes of high values

Normal pregnancy (doubles about every 48 h early on)
Multiple pregnancy
Molar pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic disease
Germ-cell tumours
Postmenopausal pituitary hCG (low level)

Causes of low values

Ectopic pregnancy (slow rise)
Miscarriage
Very early pregnancy

Method

Chemiluminescent immunoassay (quantitative); lateral-flow immunoassay (urine)

Good to know

A rise of less than about 35% in 48 hours suggests an abnormal pregnancy. Heterophile antibodies can cause false positives. See also hCG as a tumour marker.

📱 Practise with a timer, track your score and earn certificates in the free MLT Globe app – Google Play or practise online.