Test library
Urine hCG Test
This urine test detects human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) qualitatively to support pregnancy testing. It provides a simple positive or negative result at the lab's threshold.
Order Pregnancy, Urine Test
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Pregnancy, Urine Test- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $39
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The Urine Pregnancy Test is a laboratory test that looks for human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, in a urine sample. hCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy, and its presence in urine is the basis for this common test. The result is qualitative, meaning it is reported as positive or negative relative to the assay's detection threshold. A healthcare provider can explain what the result means in your situation and whether follow-up testing is appropriate.
What this test measures
Human chorionic gonadotropin is produced after implantation and rises during early pregnancy. The hormone and its subunits are filtered into urine, where they can be detected with an immunoassay that uses antibodies specific to hCG. The laboratory reports whether hCG is present at or above the test's sensitivity threshold, giving a positive or negative result rather than an exact concentration.
The test requires only a urine sample, collected according to the laboratory's instructions. Detection depends on the timing of the sample relative to implantation and on the concentration of hCG, which increases as pregnancy progresses. Some assays recognize multiple forms of hCG, including intact hormone and the beta subunit, which affects their sensitivity.
People may order this test to confirm a suspected pregnancy, and healthcare providers often use it alongside a history and examination. When more precise information is needed, a quantitative blood test can measure the exact hCG level. A qualified healthcare provider should interpret the result and advise on any follow-up testing.
- Qualitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine
- hCG immunoassay result reported as positive or negative
- Assay detection threshold in mIU/mL as stated by the laboratory
- Recognition of intact hCG and beta-subunit forms by the assay
- Urine specimen quality checks when performed
- Quantitative serum beta-hCG when follow-up testing is ordered separately
Why people order this test
- Check for pregnancy after a missed or late period
- Confirm a suspected pregnancy in a clinical setting
- Provide a simple screening result before other evaluations
- Follow up on a home test result with a laboratory method
- Support routine pre-procedure or pre-treatment pregnancy screening when requested
How to prepare
No fasting is required. A urine sample is collected at the lab according to its instructions. The timing of the sample relative to a missed period can affect detection, so follow any guidance given by the ordering provider.
Understanding your results
Results are usually available the same day or within one to three business days depending on the laboratory. A positive result indicates hCG was detected in the urine, while a negative result means it was not detected at the assay threshold. A healthcare provider should interpret the result with your history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How early can a urine pregnancy test detect hCG?
Detection depends on the assay threshold and on how much time has passed since implantation. Testing too early can produce a negative result even when pregnancy is present.
What is the difference between a urine and a blood pregnancy test?
A urine test gives a qualitative positive or negative result. A blood test can measure the exact hCG concentration, which can be useful for tracking early pregnancy.
Can a urine pregnancy test be wrong?
Results can be affected by test timing, dilution of urine, and assay characteristics. A healthcare provider may recommend repeat or blood testing when the result does not match the clinical picture.
What is hCG?
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced during pregnancy. Its presence supports the development of the pregnancy and is the marker detected by pregnancy tests.
How is the sample collected?
A urine sample is provided at the laboratory following its collection instructions. No blood draw is required for this test.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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