HCG blood test - quantitative

A blood sample is needed. This is most often taken from a vein. The procedure is called a venipuncture .

No special preparation is needed.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

HCG appears in the blood and urine of pregnant women as early as 10 days after conception. Quantitative HCG measurement helps determine the exact age of the fetus. It can also assist in the diagnosis of abnormal pregnancies, such as ectopic pregnancies, molar pregnancies, and possible miscarriages. It is also used as…

Results are given in milli-international units per milliliter (mUI/mL). Normal levels are found in: Non-pregnant women: less than 5 mIU/mL Healthy men: less than 2 mIU/mL In pregnancy, HCG level rises rapidly during the first trimester and then declines slightly. The expected HCG ranges in pregnant women are based on…

Higher than normal level may indicate: More than one fetus, for example, twins or triplets Choriocarcinoma of the uterus Hydatidiform mole of the uterus Ovarian cancer Testicular cancer (in men) During pregnancy, lower than normal levels based on the gestational age may indicate: Fetal death Incomplete miscarriage…

Risks of having blood drawn are slight, but may include: Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling lightheaded Blood accumulating under the skin (hematoma) Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Jeelani R, Bluth MH. Reproductive function and pregnancy. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 26. Lee P, Jain S, Pincus MR, et al. Diagnosis and management of cancer using serological and other body fluid…