Pregnancy Test (hCG, Quantitative)
By measuring the exact amount of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) present in the blood, this hCG serum test can confirm a pregnancy with greater accuracy and earlier in gestation than many home pregnancy tests.2 HCG is a hormone produced by the placenta. Under the care of your healthcare provider, this test may also be used to help identify an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, monitor an at-risk pregnancy, or confirm a woman is not pregnant before pursuing medical treatments that could negatively impact a developing fetus.1
Accuracy Matters
As with urine/home pregnancy tests, it is possible to end up with false results (both negative and positive) from a blood pregnancy test.
False Negative Results (test is negative, but you are actually pregnant): usually occur if the blood pregnancy test was performed too early (a rule of thumb is that it takes at least 7 days after conception for the test to show a positive result). So, your negative result is because there may not be enough hCG in the blood to detect a pregnancy. Your hCG levels rise very quickly during early pregnancy. If you believe that you received a false negative result because you tested too soon, and you still have not had a menstrual period, you should repeat the hCG quantitative test again after waiting 48 to 72 hours.2
False Positive Results (test is positive, but you are not pregnant): very rarely happens. You may get this result if you are taking a medication that contains hCG or due to certain medical issues.2
Preparation
No special preparation.
Why Consider This Test
Earlier Detection
A hCG serum test can detect hCG earlier in a pregnancy than urine tests can; about six to eight days after conception.1,2
Greater Accuracy
Unlike urine tests that can give conflicting results due to varied hCG concentration, a hCG serum can confirm pregnancy with greater accuracy because it measures the exact amount of hCG in your blood.1,2
Progressive Monitoring
Because an hCG quantitative test measures the concentration of hCG in the blood, it may help detect potential problems. It can be used to rule out an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy or monitor declining hCG levels before or following a miscarriage.1,2
Resources
- “Home Pregnancy Tests: How & When to Take Them.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-tests#1.
- “Prenatal Tests and Ultrasound.” Elizabeth Crabtree Burton; Richard Luciani - Oxford University Press, 14 July 2019, global.oup.com/academic/product/prenatal-tests-and-ultrasound-9780199599301?cc=us&lang=en&.
How To Get This Test
1. Choose your tests
Shop for tests and pay online. An independent physician will review and approve your test requests; no doctor’s visit is required.
2. Provide Your Sample
Take the requisition number we emailed you, along with a photo ID, to a Labcorp location for sample collection.
3. Access your results online
View your easy-to-read results online in your Pixel by Labcorp account. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail.
Getting My Results
We've made getting your results easier and more convenient than ever. View your easy-to-read results online in your Pixel by Labcorp account. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail. To view a sample report click the "sample report" button below.
