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What Causes A Positive HCG Test In The Absence Of Pregnancy?

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Posted on Tue, 6 Dec 2016
Question: Do most healthy, nonpregnant women have hcg in their blood? What levels are considered pregnant?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Scott Rebich (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes small amounts can be normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

Thank you for posting to HCM.

The normal pituitary gland produces a small amount of hCG. The level of hCG attributable to pituitary production ranges from 1 to 32 mIU/mL. Pituitary production of hCG is most notable around the time of menopause (natural or surgical) and prior to ovulation. Therefore, a healthy, non-pregnant female can have hCG in their blood without being pregnant.

However, if the hcg is consistently elevated you should get a full work up including ultrasound of the uterus and pelvis as hcg can be a marker for some trophoblastic tumors or cancer's.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Scott Rebich (9 minutes later)
So I am a 19 year old girl. All of my urine tests have been negative but I just got a blood test done. If I am not pregnant what should the hCG levels be at? It has been 16 days since sex and two days late of my period. I am also on birth control, I am just very over stressful and anxious person.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Scott Rebich (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Normal hCG should be less then 35

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

Your hCG levels should be less then 35.

If they are above 35, and continue to climb, then you need to have a pelvic ultrasound and vaginal ultrasound to make sure there is not a fetus or a tumor that is secreting hCG.

You should also start a prenatal multivitamin just in case.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Scott Rebich (13 hours later)
Hi,

So I got my blood test back and the chart said <5 women are not considered pregnant and I got <2. This means my Hcg levels were below 2, correct?
This is after my missed period. So I am not pregnant?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Scott Rebich (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You're not pregnant with those levels

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

With those blood levels, you're not pregnant.

Continue to take your birth control as prescribed.

Let me know if you have additional questions.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Scott Rebich

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2015

Answered : 283 Questions

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What Causes A Positive HCG Test In The Absence Of Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: Yes small amounts can be normal Detailed Answer: Hi there, Thank you for posting to HCM. The normal pituitary gland produces a small amount of hCG. The level of hCG attributable to pituitary production ranges from 1 to 32 mIU/mL. Pituitary production of hCG is most notable around the time of menopause (natural or surgical) and prior to ovulation. Therefore, a healthy, non-pregnant female can have hCG in their blood without being pregnant. However, if the hcg is consistently elevated you should get a full work up including ultrasound of the uterus and pelvis as hcg can be a marker for some trophoblastic tumors or cancer's.