Generally, an hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) level above 25 mIU/mL is considered positive for pregnancy.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Negative: Less than 5 mIU/mL. This indicates you are likely not pregnant.
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Equivocal/Grey Area: 6-24 mIU/mL. This range is inconclusive. A repeat blood test is typically recommended within a few days to see if the hCG level is rising, which would suggest a developing pregnancy.
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Positive: 25 mIU/mL or higher. This strongly suggests pregnancy.
Important Considerations:
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Early Pregnancy: In early pregnancy, hCG levels rise rapidly, roughly doubling every 48-72 hours. A single measurement might not be definitive.
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Individual Variation: hCG levels can vary significantly between individuals and pregnancies.
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Gestational Age: The hCG level correlates with the gestational age of the pregnancy, generally increasing as the pregnancy progresses, particularly in the first trimester.
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Multiple Pregnancies: Higher-than-expected hCG levels can sometimes indicate a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.).
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Miscarriage/Ectopic Pregnancy: Slowly rising or declining hCG levels can be a sign of a potential problem, such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
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Lab Variations: Different laboratories might have slightly different ranges for what they consider positive or negative. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider.
What to do if your hCG level is unclear:
If your initial hCG level falls into the grey area or if you have concerns about your results, your doctor will likely order repeat testing to monitor the change in your hCG levels. This is the most accurate way to determine if a viable pregnancy is present.
