Pregnancy Test — Quantitative hCG

About this test

This blood test measures the exact level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) — the hormone produced by a developing pregnancy — rather than simply detecting whether it's present. Because it gives a specific number, it's more useful than a standard positive/negative pregnancy test for confirming early pregnancy, evaluating how a pregnancy is progressing, and checking for certain complications.

This quantitative test is typically ordered by a clinician — not a general screening test. It is commonly used to confirm a pregnancy, monitor early pregnancy progress, evaluate for ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage risk, and screen for chromosomal abnormalities as part of prenatal testing. Results are interpreted differently depending on how far along the pregnancy is.

Components

• hCG Quantitative (beta-hCG): Measures the exact concentration of hCG in your blood in milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL). In a normally progressing pregnancy, hCG levels typically double approximately every 48–72 hours during the first few weeks. A slow rise, plateau, or drop in serial measurements may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, possible miscarriage, or other pregnancy complication requiring further evaluation.

Who is this test for?

This test is used to confirm and monitor early pregnancy. It is appropriate for women who have had a positive home pregnancy test and want to confirm the result with a more precise measure, for those experiencing early pregnancy symptoms, and for individuals undergoing fertility treatment (such as IVF) where hCG levels are tracked closely in the first weeks. It is also used to investigate symptoms that could suggest an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.