Pregnancy Test — Quantitative hCG

The quantitative pregnancy test measures hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels in your blood to detect pregnancy as early as seven days after conception. hCG is a hormone produced by the developing placenta and increases steadily throughout the first trimester (8-10 weeks) of a healthy pregnancy.

This test offers high accuracy, detecting hCG levels greater than 5 mIU/mL. While it is more reliable than urine-based (at-home) tests, false positive and negative results are still possible. For confirmation and further interpretation of your hCG levels, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider, such as a primary care physician or OBGYN.

What’s Tested

This test measures the level of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your blood, as early as 7 days after conception. It is a quantitative test, providing results that indicate whether hCG levels are high or normal, based on the amount detected.

While the test is highly accurate, false results (both negative and positive) can still occur. A false-negative may happen if the test is taken too early when hCG levels are still too low to detect pregnancy (less than 5 mIU/mL). If you suspect you’re pregnant and get a negative result, it’s recommended to repeat the test in a few days. A false-positive is rare but could occur if hCG levels are above 5 mIU/mL due to medications containing hCG or certain medical conditions.

For a more thorough understanding of your hCG levels and to confirm results, it’s best to consult your primary care provider or OBGYN.