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Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) - Results
About this test
- Test Overview
-
Health Tools
- Why It Is Done
- How To Prepare
- How It Is Done
- How It Feels
- Risks
- Results
- What Affects the Test
- What To Think About
- References
- Credits
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
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
| Men and nonpregnant women: | Less than 5 international units per liter (IU/L) | |
|---|---|---|
Pregnant women, about 3 weeks after the last menstrual period (LMP): | 5–50 IU/L | |
Pregnant women, about 4 weeks after the LMP: | 50–500 IU/L | |
Pregnant women, about 5 weeks after the LMP: | 100–10,000 IU/L | |
Pregnant women, about 6 weeks after the LMP: | 1080–30,000 IU/L | |
Pregnant women, about 8–10 weeks after the LMP: | 3500–115,000 IU/L | |
Pregnant women, about 14 weeks after the LMP (peak): | 12,000–270,000 IU/L | |
Pregnant women, about 15–18 weeks after the LMP: | Up to 200,000 IU/L | |
| 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.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 6, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
© 1995-2011 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, Incorporated 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.
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