Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: No fasting required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours before collection.
- Turnaround: 1-2 business days, may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures hCG, Beta Subunit (human chorionic gonadotropin), in a quantitative serum assay. Rather than returning a simple positive or negative result, this test reports the actual concentration of hCG present in your blood, a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy.
Because the result is quantitative, it reflects a directly measured hCG level rather than a calculated value or ratio. This makes it useful for tracking changes in hCG over time, such as monitoring an early pregnancy, evaluating for ectopic pregnancy, or following gestational trophoblastic disease and certain germ cell tumors.
Benefits
- Provides a specific hCG concentration rather than a simple yes or no result
- Can help identify pregnancy as early as ten days after conception
- Supports evaluation for possible ectopic pregnancy alongside clinical findings
- Helps monitor hCG trends after a miscarriage or molar pregnancy
- Assists in evaluating gestational trophoblastic disease and germ cell tumors
- Can be used before surgery or treatments requiring pregnancy status
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals seeking to confirm or rule out pregnancy with a numeric result
- Individuals experiencing symptoms that may suggest an ectopic pregnancy
- Individuals being monitored for a pregnancy at risk of miscarriage
- Individuals being followed after a molar pregnancy or related condition
- Individuals being evaluated for gestational trophoblastic disease
- Individuals being evaluated for germ cell or testicular tumors
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test, and what does it measure?
This test measures hCG, Beta Subunit (human chorionic gonadotropin), in a quantitative serum assay. Rather than returning a simple positive or negative result, it reports the actual concentration of hCG in your blood, a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Because the result is a directly measured value rather than a calculated value or ratio, it can be used to track changes in hCG over time, such as monitoring an early pregnancy, evaluating for ectopic pregnancy, or following gestational trophoblastic disease and certain germ cell tumors. This test is not a panel and does not, by itself, provide a complete diagnosis.
2. Who would benefit from this test, and when should I order it?
This test may be appropriate if you want a specific hCG level rather than a simple positive or negative result, if you are experiencing symptoms that could suggest an ectopic pregnancy, or if you are being monitored for a pregnancy at risk of miscarriage. It may also be used to follow hCG trends after a miscarriage or molar pregnancy, to assist in evaluating gestational trophoblastic disease or germ cell and testicular tumors, or before surgery or treatments that require confirmation of pregnancy status. A healthcare provider may also want to track hCG levels over several days as part of ongoing monitoring.
3. Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for this test. You should stop consuming biotin at least 72 hours prior to your blood collection.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 1 to 2 business days. Results may take longer based on weather, holidays, or other lab delays.
5. How do I interpret the results?
Interpreting your hCG level depends on factors such as the reason for testing, your symptoms, medical history, medications or supplements, and the timing of collection relative to a possible pregnancy or prior results. A single result should be considered alongside these factors and any other laboratory findings, rather than on its own. An abnormal result does not automatically confirm a specific condition, and a normal result does not rule one out.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review results that fall outside the expected range with a qualified healthcare provider who understands your health history and reason for testing. They can help explain what the result may mean in your specific situation and determine whether additional evaluation or testing should be considered.
7. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider, based on your individual situation and the reason hCG monitoring is being considered.
Pre- test preparation
No fasting is required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.
