Pregnancy Test (β-hCG)
Also known as: Beta hCG, Pregnancy blood test, Urine pregnancy test, pregnancy test, beta hcg test, hamal ka test
Measures hCG, a hormone made by the placenta in pregnancy. A urine test shows yes or no; a blood test (beta-hCG) can also give the exact amount.
Why it's ordered
Confirming pregnancy, checking early pregnancy when there is pain or bleeding, and before some medicines, X-rays or surgery.
Preparation
No fasting needed. For a urine test, the first morning urine is most concentrated, especially in very early pregnancy.
Typical adult values
| Not pregnant | below about 5 mIU/mL (blood) |
|---|---|
| Usually pregnant | about 25 mIU/mL or higher (blood) |
| Unclear | between about 5 and 25 mIU/mL: repeat the test after two days |
Ranges vary between labs and methods. Always use the range printed on your report.
If it's positive / reactive
A positive test usually means pregnancy. Pain in the lower abdomen, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or bleeding with a positive test needs urgent medical care, because it can be a pregnancy outside the womb (ectopic). In early pregnancy, doctors compare two blood results 48 hours apart to see if hCG is rising as expected.
Good to know
A blood test can detect pregnancy a few days earlier than a urine test. A urine test done too early can be falsely negative; repeat it a few days after a missed period. hCG can also stay positive for some weeks after a miscarriage or delivery.
Common questions
When can a pregnancy test detect pregnancy?
A blood test can detect pregnancy a few days earlier than a urine test. A urine test done too early can be falsely negative; repeat it a few days after a missed period.
What beta-hCG level means pregnant?
Usually about 25 mIU/mL or higher; below about 5 mIU/mL means not pregnant. Always use the range printed on your report.
When should I seek urgent care with a positive test?
With lower abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or bleeding, because it can be a pregnancy outside the womb (ectopic).
Why do doctors repeat the beta-hCG test?
In early pregnancy, they compare two results 48 hours apart to see if hCG is rising as expected.