Pregnancy Test Test
A pregnancy test checks your urine or blood for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to tell if you are pregnant.
What this test measures
It measures the presence or amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone made by the placenta after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
A positive result usually means you are pregnant. In some cases, it may be due to fertility medicines or other conditions.
Lower-than-normal results
A negative result means hCG was not found, so you may not be pregnant. However, testing too early can give a false-negative.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are home pregnancy tests?
According to MedlinePlus, urine tests are 97-99% accurate when done a week or two after you've missed your period.
Can a pregnancy test give a false-positive result?
Yes. Taking fertility medicines can cause a false-positive, meaning the test says you are pregnant when you are not.
What should I do if I get a positive result on a home test?
MedlinePlus recommends seeing your provider as soon as possible to confirm the pregnancy and get proper care.
What does a quantitative hCG blood test measure?
It measures the exact amount of hCG in your blood, which can help find the age of the fetus, monitor pregnancy risks, or check for certain problems.
Why might I get a negative result even if I am pregnant?
Testing too soon after getting pregnant may not detect enough hCG, leading to a false-negative. MedlinePlus suggests repeating the test a week later.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Pregnancy Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.