Urine pregnancy test (hCG)

What it measures

Detects human chorionic gonadotropin in urine, produced by the placenta soon after implantation. It confirms pregnancy, usually from around the first missed period.

Specimen and preparation

• Specimen: Urine, preferably first morning
• Tube: Urine top
• Preparation: First morning urine is most concentrated; avoid heavy fluid intake beforehand.

Reference range

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

Causes of high values

• Pregnancy (intrauterine or ectopic)
• Recent miscarriage or abortion (hCG persists for weeks)
• Gestational trophoblastic disease
• hCG-secreting tumours; hCG injections

Method

Immunochromatographic lateral-flow test (sensitivity about 20–25 mIU/mL)

Good to know

A negative test very early or with dilute urine should be repeated or checked with serum quantitative hCG.

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