Beta HCG Test: What It Is, Normal Levels, Pregnancy And How It Works

What is Beta HCG Test?

Human chorionic gonadotropin, or HGC, is a hormone secreted by the female body during pregnancy. It is released by the placenta and can help determine the stages of pregnancy. An HCG test is a routine test performed on pregnant women. This test has no side effects on the foetus. If you are expecting a child, you must know about the HCG test in detail.

Types of HCG Test

An HCG test is usually performed in women to determine pregnancy or the state of pregnancy. It is one of the most important tests conducted for pregnant women. This test can help the doctor diagnose and confirm multiple aspects of pregnancy. Another name for the HCG test is the beta HCG test. There are two types of HCG tests that are commonly done.

• An HCG blood test: It helps to determine the HCG levels in the blood. The vein is punctured to collect blood in a vial during a blood test. The collected blood is then evaluated in the laboratory for the serum test. The HCG blood test is a qualitative test known as the serum or the beta HCG test. It helps to determine the HCG levels to understand whether the female is pregnant. In pregnant women, it also helps to determine the progression and well-being of the pregnancy. If the HCG levels are normal, it means the baby is healthy. 
• HCG Urine test: It helps to determine the HCG levels in pregnant women. After ten days of fertilisation, the HCG levels begin to rise in the urine of the female. It is a clear indication of pregnancy. Urine tests can also be used for an HCG pregnancy test. The level of HCG can indicate various things, such as multiple pregnancies, risks of miscarriage, or an ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, gynecologists often closely monitor the HCG levels of a pregnant woman, especially in the first trimester. 

Beta HCG Test Results Interpretation

Interpreting beta hCG test reports requires an understanding of the normal ranges of this hormone at different stages of pregnancySome key interpretation guidelines:

• Levels below 5 mIU/mL are considered negative for pregnancy
• Levels between 6-24 mIU/mL are indeterminate, and retesting is advised
• Levels above 25 mIU/mL generally confirm pregnancy
• High HCG levels may indicate a multiple pregnancy or may suggest some complications during pregnancy. Hence, hCG reports need to be closely monitored during pregnancy.

It's important to interpret beta hCG test results in the context of clinical signs and other diagnostic findings. Your doctor will correlate the results with your unique situation.

Beta HCG Test Normal Range

The beta HCG normal range varies significantly based on the stage of pregnancy. In non-pregnant individuals, beta HCG is usually less than 5 mIU/mL. The level of hCG keeps varying according to the gestational age and the type of pregnancy. It is important to note hCG levels typically double every 48 to 72 hours during the initial weeks of pregnancy, indicating normal development.

What Are the Uses of the Beta HCG Test?

The beta HCG test serves several important diagnostic purposes:

• Confirming pregnancy, especially in early stages
• Monitoring the viability and progression of pregnancy
• Detecting ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages based on abnormal HCG patterns
• Diagnosing gestational trophoblastic disease and some germ cell tumours
• Evaluating the effectiveness of treatment for HCG-secreting cancers

By tracking hCG levels over time, doctors can distinguish normal pregnancies from high-risk situations that require intervention. The hCG test is a powerful surveillance tool in pregnancy care.

What Are the Preparations for the Beta HCG Test?

Preparing for a beta HCG test is quite straightforward. You don't need to fast or follow any special diet restrictions. However, do inform your doctor about any medications you're taking, as some may influence the results.

If you're using an at-home urine HCG test, carefully read the instructions and check the expiration date of the kit. Collect your first morning urine sample for the most accurate results. Avoid drinking excessive fluids before the test to prevent diluting your urine.

What Is the Procedure for the Beta HCG Test?

The beta hCG test involves, blood draw from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory that uses sensitive assays to precisely measure the concentration of beta hCG. Most labs, including Metropolis Healthcare, provide results within 24 to 48 hours.

What Are the Risks and Complications for the Beta HCG Test?

The beta hCG test is a low-risk procedure. You may experience mild discomfort, bruising, or slight bleeding at the needle site, but these usually resolve quickly. Serious complications like infections are extremely rare.

Who Can Get an HCG Test Done?

The HCG test is mainly performed for the determination of pregnancy and its stages. However, it is also useful in cases involving men. Let us know more about it.

• Women expecting pregnancy: HCG is a chemical that is produced by the placenta and excreted in the urine. It can be tested as early as ten days after conception. If you have missed your period and are expecting a pregnancy, an HCG test can help confirm it. The HCG test can be done after 7–10 days of a missed period for accurate results.
• Pregnant women: The HCG levels vary during each week of pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to keep track of it, especially during the first trimester. Pregnant women are often asked to take an HCG urine test. It helps in identifying the state of pregnancy and the health of the baby. HCG levels are different in women during each week of pregnancy. It is also different if the mother is pregnant with triplets or twins.
• Men: In men, the beta HCG levels are below two mIU/mL. If the level of beta-HCG is higher than this, it can indicate the presence of a tumour. In most cases of testicular carcinoma, beta HCG tests are conducted as they act as markers for the same. If your doctor is suspecting testicular cancer, this test can help confirm the diagnosis.

What Are the Benefits of a Beta HCG Test?

The beta hCG test offers several key advantages:

• Provides early and reliable confirmation of pregnancy
• Helps track the health and progress of a pregnancy
• Can help to differentiate normal from abnormal pregnancies
• Enables monitoring of treatment response in hCG-related cancers
• Is widely available, minimally invasive, and affordable

By delivering crucial diagnostic insights, the purpose of an hCG test is to empower timely medical decisions and interventions. It's an indispensable tool for ensuring optimal pregnancy outcomes.

What is The Purpose of an HCG Test?

An HCG test can help medical practitioners learn a lot about your pregnancy. Here are some of the most important uses of an HCG test:

• Detection of pregnancy: If the level of HCG is more than 5 mIU/mL, the female is pregnant. The levels of HCG rise within ten days of pregnancy.
• Healthy pregnancy: Each week of pregnancy has a range of HCG values. The level of HCG must fall in this range. It is an indication of a healthy pregnancy. It is essential to monitor this range closely in the first trimester.
• Chances of miscarriage: If the HCG levels are constantly lower than the indicated levels, there are high chances that the pregnancy will not continue and terminate. In such a case, the doctor informs the mother to take extreme care.
• Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is when the foetus is attached inside the fallopian tube rather than the uterus. HCG production happens in the fallopian tube attached to the uterus. Thus, the level of HCG is affected in the case of an ectopic pregnancy.
• Multiple pregnancies: Constant high levels of HCG can be an indicator of multiple pregnancies. A sonogram or an ultrasound can further confirm it. There is a slow surge in the levels of HCG as the body takes time to multiply the production of the chemical in the case of multiple pregnancies.
• Age of the foetus: With the help of the HCG levels, it is also possible to determine the age of the foetus. As the foetus grows, the mother's body produces more HCG. This can be different during multiple pregnancies (in the case of twins, triplets, etc.).

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a beautiful stage in a woman's life. The chemical HCG, produced in pregnant women, helps determine the stage of pregnancy and the health of the baby. Healthcare practitioners recommend pregnant women undergo an HGC test. Visit Metropolis Healthcare today to learn more about the HCG test and get one done today.

FAQs

What level of beta hCG confirms pregnancy?

A beta hCG test result over 25 mIU/mL generally confirms pregnancy, while a level below 5 mIU/mL is considered negative.

Is 4 weeks too early to detect hCG?

No, a beta hCG test can detect pregnancy as early as 10 days post-conception. At 4 weeks, hCG is usually in the range detectable by blood tests.

What does a positive hCG test show?

A positive hCG test indicates the presence of the hCG hormone in the blood. While this usually signifies pregnancy, in rare cases, it may also point to certain hCG-secreting tumors.

What is a normal beta hCG?

The beta hCG test normal range varies based on the gestational age and individual factors. In non-pregnant individuals, levels are usually below 5 mIU/mL. During pregnancy, the levels can rise to over 200,000 mIU/mL.

What does the Beta hCG test detect?

The beta hCG test detects the presence and measures the amount of hCG hormone in the blood. hCG is produced during pregnancy and by some rare tumours.

When should I take the beta hCG test?

If you suspect pregnancy, it's best to take the beta hCG test at least one week after a missed period. The test can also be done anytime there's a need to evaluate hCG levels.

How accurate is the beta hCG test?

The beta hCG test is highly accurate in detecting HCG and determining its levels. However, urine hCG tests may sometimes give false results, especially if done too early.

Can men undergo the beta hCG test?

Yes, men can also get a beta hCG test, especially to diagnose and monitor certain testicular cancers that secrete hCG.

Why are my hCG levels low?

Low beta hCG test results could indicate a very early pregnancy, or possible miscarriage. Consult your doctor for advice.

What if my hCG levels are high?

High hCG levels may be a sign of a multiple pregnancy, a molar pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy or, rarely, a tumor. Your doctor will advise additional tests and scans to determine the cause.

How long does it take to get results?

Most laboratories provide beta hCG test results within 24 to 48 hours. However, some facilities may offer same-day results as well.

Can I take the beta hCG test at home?

Home urine hCG tests are available, but a quantitative beta hCG test requires a blood sample tested in a diagnostic lab.