HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Results
The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test is done to measure the amount of the Reference hormone Opens New Window 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 Reference international units per liter (IU/L) Opens New Window |
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|---|---|---|
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Pregnant women, 1 week of gestation (about 3 weeks after the last menstrual period): |
5–50 IU/L |
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Pregnant women, 2 weeks of gestation (about 4 weeks after the LMP): |
50–500 IU/L |
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Pregnant women, 3 weeks of gestation (about 5 weeks after the LMP): |
100–10,000 IU/L |
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Pregnant women, 4 weeks of gestation (about 6 weeks after the LMP): |
1080–30,000 IU/L |
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Pregnant women, 6–8 weeks of gestation (about 8–10 weeks after the LMP): |
3500–115,000 IU/L |
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Pregnant women, 12 weeks of gestation (about 14 weeks after the LMP): |
12,000–270,000 IU/L |
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Pregnant women, 13–16 weeks of gestation (about 15–18 weeks after the LMP): |
Up to 200,000 IU/L |
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| 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 Reference molar pregnancy Opens New Window, Reference Down syndrome Opens New Window, 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, Reference pancreas Opens New Window, large intestine, liver, or lung.
Low values
- If you are pregnant, low levels of hCG can mean an Reference ectopic pregnancy Opens New Window, 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 Reference miscarriage Opens New Window (spontaneous abortion) is very likely.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference April 4, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics |
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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 Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
