Qualitative test: 1500-2000 mIU/mL, depending on test Qualitative test: 20 to 50 mIU/mL, depending on test Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) detection thresholds by test type and sample type Blood tests can detect hCG levels as low as 1 mIU/mL, and typically clinicians will diagnose a positive pregnancy test at 5mIU/mL. Quantitative tests measure the exact amount of hCG in the sample. Qualitative urine tests available for home use are typically designed as lateral flow tests. Low-sensitivity tests detect hCG levels between 1500-2000 mIU/mL and have unique clinical applications, including confirmation of medication abortion success. High-sensitivity tests are more common and typically detect hCG levels between 20-50 milli-international units/mL (mIU/mL). Qualitative urine pregnancy tests vary in sensitivity. For a qualitative test the thresholds for a positive test are generally determined by an hCG cut-off where at least 95% of pregnant women would get a positive result on the day of their first missed period.
Qualitative tests (yes/no or positive/negative results) look for the presence of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in blood or urine. Therefore, a blood test can be positive while the urine test is still negative. The hCG concentration in blood is higher than in urine. Secretion of hCG can occur as soon as 6 days following ovulation and on average 8-10 days following ovulation this is the earliest hCG can be detected in a blood sample. The assays used to detect the presence of hCG in blood or urine are generally reliable and inexpensive.
hCG testing can be performed with a blood ( serum) sample (typically done in a medical facility) or with urine (which can be performed in a medical facility or at home). hCG is produced by what will become the placenta. Identified in the early 20th century, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone that rises quickly in the first few weeks of pregnancy, typically reaching a peak at 8- to 10-weeks gestational age. Types Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)