Positive test and low HCG

Hi, and thanks for your medical question on eHealth forum

An hCG blood level less than 5mIU/ml is considered negative for pregnancy. A level above 25mIU/ml is considered positive for pregnancy. Hence 46 is positive for pregnancy.

The level of hCG depends on the time when the test was done. At about 5 weeks from the last period, the levels vary between 18 - 7,340 mIU/ml. These suddenly shoot up to 1,080 - 56,500 mIU/ml at 6 weeks from last period.

A single hCG reading is not enough information for most diagnoses. Hence you can repeat the test a week later. Increasing levels confirm that the pregnancy is continuing.

Once the hCG levels have reached between 1,000 - 2,000mIU/ml a transvaginal ultrasound is usually able to show a gestational sac. Hope this helps. Take care!