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Hormones

hCG (Pregnancy Test)

Hormones

hCG (Pregnancy Test)

Blood-based pregnancy test. More accurate and earlier detection than urine tests.

90 SEK

VAT-exempt medical service

  • Results in 5 working days
  • 116 sampling locations
  • No doctor's referral needed
  • Sample: Blood (venous)
Find a sampling location →

What does this test measure?

That two-line home test? It's detecting hCG. But a blood test does it earlier, more precisely, and with numbers you can track over time. hCG is produced by the placenta after implantation and rises rapidly in early pregnancy. This test confirms pregnancy sooner than urine strips can, gives an indication of how the pregnancy is developing, and is essential for IVF follow-up.

hCG blood testing is used to confirm pregnancy at the earliest possible stage, as part of IVF treatment follow-up (many clinics require it after miscarriage and before starting IVF), and when there are concerns about miscarriage — often alongside progesterone testing.

What a high value can mean

A positive hCG means pregnancy is very likely. In normal early pregnancy, hCG doubles every 2 days for the first 4 weeks, slowing to every 3.5 days by week 6. Unusually high levels may indicate twins or, rarely, gestational trophoblastic disease.

What a low value can mean

A negative hCG means pregnancy is unlikely — but if you tested very early, it can't be completely ruled out. Slower-than-expected doubling or falling hCG may indicate a failing pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage. After miscarriage, hCG should drop rapidly to undetectable levels.

Read more about this marker →

Associated symptoms

  • Missed period
  • Nausea or morning sickness
  • Breast tenderness
  • Fatigue
  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting (possible miscarriage)
  • Abdominal pain (possible ectopic pregnancy)

Who should consider this test

  • Women who think they might be pregnant
  • Those undergoing IVF treatment
  • Women with suspected miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
  • Anyone who needs early pregnancy confirmation

Before your appointment

No preparation needed. Skip exercise before the test, as it may affect results. Bring valid ID. If you take a supplement containing biotin (often sold for hair and nails), pause it for two days before the test, as high doses can distort the result.

  • Bring photo ID to the sampling location.
  • You do not need a doctor's referral — your referral is issued when you order.
  • Tell the staff which test you have ordered if they ask.

How it works

  1. 1

    Order your test

    Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.

  2. 2

    Give your sample

    Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.

  3. 3

    The lab analyses it

    Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.

  4. 4

    Get your results

    Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.

Good to know

How early can hCG detect pregnancy?

A blood hCG test can pick up pregnancy as early as 6-8 days after ovulation — days before most urine tests can.

What does it mean if hCG isn't doubling?

Slower-than-expected hCG rise may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, impending miscarriage, or inaccurate dating. Serial tests over several days give the most useful picture.

Can hCG be elevated in non-pregnant women?

Rarely. Elevated hCG outside pregnancy can indicate certain tumours (like gestational trophoblastic disease) and warrants medical evaluation.