Pregnancy Test (hCG, Quantitative)
The amount of the pregnancy hormone hCG, from one blood draw.
- 2,000+ lab locations. Find one near you
- Nothing due at the lab. FSA / HSA accepted
- Ordered by a licensed clinician
At a glance
- Collection
- Blood drawA standard blood draw at the lab.
- Preparation
- NoneNothing to do ahead of time. Water is fine.
- Results
- 1 to 2 daysTypical turnaround after your visit.
- Where
- 2,000+ lab locationsNationwide, with nothing due at the lab.
About this test
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone made by the placenta during pregnancy. This blood test measures how much hCG is in your blood and reports it as a number rather than a yes or no. A healthcare provider interprets the result. This test is not for emergencies.
For adults 18 and older. Test availability varies by lab location.
Who should take this test?
This test is often used by adults who want a blood measure of hCG, such as after a missed period or an unclear home test, or when a healthcare provider suggests it.
Ask about this test
Not sure this is the right test?
AI-generated. For information only, not medical advice. Call 911 for an emergency.
What does this test measure?
Your result shows the amount of hCG in your blood at the time of the draw, which a healthcare provider can interpret with your history and, if needed, a repeat test.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), quantitative
- hCG is a hormone made by the placenta during pregnancy. This test measures the amount of hCG in your blood, not just whether it is present. Levels usually rise quickly in early pregnancy. A single result does not show how a pregnancy is progressing; a provider interprets it.
- Why it’s measured: Measures the amount of the pregnancy hormone hCG in your blood.
How it works
- Step 1
Order online
Check out here. A licensed clinician in your state reviews your order and sends it to the lab.
- Step 2
Visit a lab
Bring a photo ID to any of 2,000+ lab locations. No fasting needed, and nothing is due at the lab.
- Step 3
Get your results
Results post to your account, usually in 1 to 2 days, each number next to the lab’s reference range.
Find a lab near you
Choose from 2,000+ lab locations nationwide. Your order works at any of them.
What your results tell you
hCG is reported as a number and compared with the lab’s reference range. A healthcare provider explains what your level means for you.
- Your number next to the lab’s reference range
- Explained in plain language
- A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test.
- A lab report you can download and share
A healthcare provider interprets hCG with your history and, when needed, repeat testing, and can advise on next steps for your situation.
Clinical-grade testing, from the comfort of home.
From the lab to your report, every step of our process meets the gold standard in medical testing.
CLIA-certified labs
Every lab we partner with is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, meeting both state and federal standards with regular independent inspections.
We protect your health data
We protect your health data with encryption and do not sell it. Some results must be reported to public health authorities by law. See our Privacy Notice.
Rigorous quality assurance
All partner labs run regular internal quality checks, participate in proficiency testing, and comply with federal and state lab regulations.
Clinician-reviewed reports
Results are reviewed by an independent, licensed clinician.
Related tests
Questions
Common questions.
Anything else, our care team answers by phone, text, or email.
Home pregnancy tests check urine for hCG and give a yes or no answer. This blood test measures the amount of hCG and reports it as a number. A healthcare provider may use that number, sometimes with a repeat test, to understand your situation.
This test does not show how far along a pregnancy is or whether a pregnancy is developing as expected.
hCG levels change quickly in early pregnancy, so one number is a snapshot. Very early on, hCG can still be too low to measure, so a low result does not always mean you are not pregnant. A healthcare provider may repeat the test after some time to see how the level changes.
What the numbers mean for you is a conversation to have with a healthcare provider.
It can, though this is less common. hCG is mainly made by the placenta, but it can stay raised for a while after a pregnancy ends, and some fertility medicines contain hCG. Some other conditions can also raise it.
Tell your healthcare provider if you use fertility medicines. Don’t stop or change any medicine or supplement without talking with your healthcare provider. If your result does not match what you expect, a healthcare provider can explain it.
This test is not for emergencies. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant and have severe pain, heavy bleeding, or feel faint, get emergency care right away rather than waiting for a lab visit or a result. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
This test is not for emergencies. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant and have severe pain, heavy bleeding, or feel faint, get emergency care right away.