A Beta hCG test is a basic blood test that quantifies the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the body, a hormone produced by early embryonic cells, commonly during pregnancy. This test aids in identifying a normal pregnancy and detecting potential complications like ectopic pregnancy (fertilised egg implantation outside the uterus), multiple pregnancies, or miscarriage. It also helps in monitoring hCG levels post-abortion. This test is often called the pregnancy test or maternal marker because it detects the hormone produced during pregnancy.

Compared to home pregnancy kits that use urine analysis, the Beta hCG test is considered more accurate for confirming pregnancy. It can detect very low quantities of hCG in the blood, allowing it to establish the foetus's age. The test can give pregnancy insights as early as 7-10 days after conception and allows for comparison of hCG levels during various pregnancy phases.

If you are in Delhi and wish to confirm your pregnancy status or learn more about your pregnancy, book a Beta hCG test in Delhi today.

Since hCG is an essential diagnostic test to identify pregnancy as well as track pregnancy health, below are a few things you should know in order to ensure accurate findings:

Prerequisites

Fasting is not required for the hCG test.

The Best Time to Get Tested

While you can take the test at any time, it is usually taken after a missed period. This timing ensures more accurate detection of hCG levels, which rise substantially in early pregnancy. Taking the test too early might show negative results even if you are pregnant.

Who Should Get a Beta hCG Test

The test is appropriate for those who need to confirm pregnancy, monitor the health of an ongoing pregnancy, are experiencing unusual bleeding or severe cramping, or have previously had a miscarriage.

Cautions Before Taking the Beta hCG Test

Medicines (e.g., those containing hCG) and some health conditions (e.g., tumours or recent pregnancy loss) can affect the accuracy of test results. Hence, it is vital to let your doctor know about any medications you are taking.

The Beta hCG test is an important diagnostic tool for various health conditions, particularly those related to pregnancy. Important reasons to take the test include:

• Confirming Pregnancy : The levels of hCG spike in blood and urine within 10 days of conception, making it a credible early pregnancy indication.

• Monitoring Pregnancy Progress : The test can be repeated over a period of few days to track pregnancy development and check health and viability, especially if difficulties are detected.

• Estimating Foetal Age : The age of the growing foetus can be determined by measuring hCG levels.

• Diagnosing Abnormal Pregnancies : The test aids in the diagnosis of molar pregnancies (abnormal cell proliferation in the uterus) and ectopic pregnancies (embryo implantation outside the uterus).

• Evaluating Symptoms : If you have symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or cramps, the test may determine if you are at risk of miscarriage or have an ectopic pregnancy.

Therefore, the Beta hCG test provides essential information for both pregnant and non-pregnant individuals.

Pregnancy causes a geometric increase in hCG levels. The following are the reference values for beta hCG levels based on weeks of pregnancy:

Interpretation:

• Early pregnancy is indicated by elevated beta hCG levels, which continuously increase throughout the first 8 weeks.

• Consistently high hCG levels may also be due to non-specific protein binding, certain antibodies (heterophilic), or the presence of hCG-like substances in the blood.

• Persistently high hCG levels outside of pregnancy warrant further investigation for potential underlying conditions or interference from other substances.

• Borderline high beta hCG levels may not always indicate pregnancy. A follow-up test after 48-72 hours is recommended to confirm an increase in levels.