HCG Calculator

How HCG Reconstitution Works

An HCG calculator translates the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin in a vial into a measurable injection volume. Simply input the vial size, prescribed dose, and diluent volume used to see the resulting concentration and syringe volume.

HCG usually comes in the form of freeze-dried powder, and is measured in “International Units”, or IU. You must first reconstitute the powder using the diluent that came with the drug (or one that your clinician or pharmacist has approved) before you can draw the drug into a syringe.

How to Use the HCG Calculator

To use an HCG calculator, you need three simple numbers:

1. Vial strength. The total HCG content of the vial (i.e. 5,000 IU);
2. Diluent Volume. The volume of bacteriostatic water (or other diluent), in millilitres;
3. Prescribed dose. The amount of IU you have been prescribed to take.

The calculator then shows the concentration in IU/mL, and the volume needed for the input dose. It will also convert that volume to visual markings on a U-100 insulin syringe.

Needless to say, you should compare every value with the vial, prescription, and instructions supplied by your doctor!

The Formula Behind HCG Reconstitution

The basic formula for the concentration is:

Total HCG in vial / diluent volume = concentration in IU per ml

For example, a 5,000 IU HCG vial mixed with 5 mL of diluent will give:

5,000 IU / 5 mL = 1,000 IU/mL

The required volume of injection can then be calculated as:

Prescribed dose / concentration = injection volume

If the recommended dose is 250 IU:

250 IU / 1,000 IU/mL = 0.25 mL

However, the Longeviters' HCG reconstitution calculator takes care of both calculations for you, so you don’t have to work through a number of manual conversions yourself.

Understanding IU, mL and Syringe Units 

International Units - IU -  measure biological activity. Millilitres (ml) measure the volume of liquids. Syringe "units" is a measure of volume on syringes - don’t mistake this for the IU of HCG!

On a typical U-100 insulin syringe:

Table: Typical U-100 syringe grading & liquid volume equivalents.

Syringe Marking	Liquid Volume
10 units	0.10 ml
20 units	0.20 ml
25 units	0.25 ml
50 units	0.50 ml
100 units	1.00 ml

Therefore, 25 units on a U-100 syringe will always be 0.25 mL. The number of IU of HCG that this volume contains is completely dependent on how concentrated your reconstituted solution is.

Important Safety and Storage Notes 

HCG is a prescription drug with specific requirements for preparation, storage and administration. Keep in mind that the vial label (and any other 'official' information) takes priority over any general online HCG calculator.

Use the Correct Diluent

Use only the diluent provided with the drug, or one that was specifically recommended by a licensed health care professional. Sterile and bacteriostatic water are not interchangeable!

Note that some multidose HCG products include a preserved diluent containing benzyl alcohol - this type of product also requires special caution in infants.

Reconstitute and Handle HCG Carefully

Verify vial and diluent labels, strengths, and expiration dates in advance. Add the diluent slowly, allowing it to run down the inside wall of the vial. If the product instructions allow, gently swirl the vial. Do not shake or freeze it.

Storage Time Depends on the Product

No universal storage period exists for mixed HCG.

Some HCG brands indicate that multidose vials should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) after reconstitution, and discarded 60 days later. Others might indicate refrigeration at the same temperature range, but allow the drug to be used within 30 days after reconstitution.

Some formulations may be for immediate application altogether. Always respect the expiry period indicated for the specific brand, diluent, and formulation you have.

Write the mixing date on the multidose vial and store as directed. Do not use after the labelled period.

When to Verify the Calculations

Ask a pharmacist or prescribing clinician to confirm the HCG calculator result if:

1. The diluent volumes don't add up;
2. The prescription contains the dosage, but no injection volume;
3. Your syringe isn't U-100;
4. Volume is calculated somewhere between the gradations on the syringe;
5. The vial you were prescribed earlier was a different strength;
6. The directions you received are different from the calculator result.

Seek medical attention right away if you develop trouble breathing, face or throat swelling, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, or other severe symptoms after you take HCG.