Blood Pregnancy Test: HCG Results

Interpret your blood pregnancy test results and understand what your HCG levels mean

Interpret Your HCG Test Results

Type of Blood Test

HCG Level (mIU/mL)

mIU/mL

HCG levels from your blood test results

Test Date

Date when the blood test was taken

First Day of Last Period (Optional)

For gestational age estimation

Average Cycle Length (Optional)

days

Length of your typical menstrual cycle

Important Considerations

• HCG levels can vary significantly between individuals

• Serial HCG testing (48-72 hours apart) provides more reliable information

• Very high or very low levels may require medical evaluation

• False negatives can occur if testing too early

• Medications and medical conditions can affect HCG levels

HCG Level Examples

Example: 5 weeks pregnant

HCG Level: 2,000 mIU/mL

Expected Range: 18-7,340 mIU/mL

Interpretation: Normal level for 5 weeks gestation

Next Steps: Continue prenatal care, repeat test if needed

Example: Borderline result

HCG Level: 15 mIU/mL

Interpretation: Borderline - possible very early pregnancy

Next Steps: Repeat test in 48-72 hours to confirm trend

HCG Ranges by Week

3 weeks

5-50 mIU/mL

4 weeks

5-426 mIU/mL

5 weeks

18-7,340 mIU/mL

6 weeks

1,080-56,500 mIU/mL

7-8 weeks

7,650-288,000 mIU/mL

9-12 weeks

9,500-254,000 mIU/mL

Ranges can vary significantly between individuals and laboratories

Blood Test Types

Qualitative HCG

Simply confirms presence or absence of HCG (positive/negative result)

Quantitative HCG (Beta HCG)

Measures exact amount of HCG in blood, used for monitoring pregnancy progression

When to Test

🩸

Blood test: Can detect pregnancy 8-10 days after conception

📅

Best timing: After missed period for most accurate results

🔬

Follow-up: Serial tests 48-72 hours apart to confirm progression

Understanding HCG and Blood Pregnancy Tests

What is HCG?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta after implantation. It maintains the corpus luteum during early pregnancy and is the hormone detected by pregnancy tests.

Why Blood Tests?

•More sensitive than urine tests
•Can detect pregnancy earlier
•Provides quantitative measurement
•Useful for monitoring pregnancy progression

HCG Pattern in Pregnancy

Early Pregnancy (3-6 weeks)

HCG doubles every 48-72 hours, rising rapidly

Peak (8-11 weeks)

HCG reaches highest levels, then begins to decline

Second Trimester

HCG levels stabilize at lower levels

Note: HCG patterns can vary significantly. Single measurements are less informative than trends over time.

When HCG Levels May Indicate Complications

Lower Than Expected

• Miscalculated pregnancy dates
• Possible miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Blighted ovum

Higher Than Expected

• Multiple pregnancy (twins/triplets)
• Miscalculated dates
• Molar pregnancy
• Certain medical conditions

Abnormal Patterns

• Slowly rising HCG
• Plateauing levels
• Declining levels in early pregnancy
• Extremely high levels

Related Pregnancy Calculators

Urine Pregnancy Test Calculator

Understand home pregnancy test results and timing

Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator

Track healthy weight gain during pregnancy

False Negative Test Calculator

Understanding false negative pregnancy test results

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator provides general interpretation of HCG levels and is not intended as medical advice. HCG levels can vary significantly between individuals and pregnancies. Always consult with your healthcare provider for proper interpretation of test results, especially if you have concerns about your pregnancy or experience symptoms like bleeding, cramping, or severe nausea. Only qualified medical professionals can provide accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical care based on your complete medical history and examination.