The Beta hCG test, a simple blood test, measures the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the body, a hormone produced by the early embryo, usually during pregnancy. It helps to confirm a normal pregnancy and can identify complications like ectopic pregnancy (fertilised egg implanted outside the uterus), multiple pregnancies, or miscarriage. Additionally, it monitors hCG levels after an abortion. This test is also referred to as the pregnancy test or maternal marker because it detects the pregnancy-associated hormone.

The Beta hCG test is considered to be a more precise method for confirming pregnancy compared to home pregnancy kits that analyse urine. This blood test can detect even small traces of hCG, which helps in knowing the fetus's age. It provides pregnancy insights as early as 7-10 days after conception and allows for comparing hCG levels during distinct stages of pregnancy.

If you are in Gurgaon and want to confirm your pregnancy or get detailed insights into your pregnancy, schedule a Beta hCG test in Gurgaon today.

Here are some points to be mindful of to ensure reliable findings from hCG testing, which is a necessary diagnostic tool for confirming pregnancy and assessing the health of a pregnancy.

Prerequisites

The hCG test does not need any special preparation such as fasting.

The Best Time to Get Tested

The test can be taken at any time, but it is most commonly administered after a missed period. This helps ensure accurate detection of hCG levels, which rise significantly in early pregnancy. Testing too early may result in a negative outcome even if you are pregnant.

Who Should Get a Beta hCG Test

Individuals who need to confirm pregnancy, assess the health of their pregnancy, have a history of miscarriage, or are experiencing unusual bleeding or severe cramping should consider taking the test.

Cautions Before Taking the Beta hCG Test

Be aware that certain medications (e.g., those containing hCG) and some health conditions (e.g., tumours or recent pregnancy loss) can impact test results. Therefore, it is critical to notify your doctor about any medications that you are taking.

The Beta hCG test is an essential diagnostic tool for various health conditions, particularly related to pregnancy. Here are the primary reasons to get the test done:

• Confirming Pregnancy : Reliability as an early pregnancy indicator is demonstrated by the rise in hCG levels in urine and blood within the first 10 days following conception.

• Evaluating Symptoms : The test can identify whether you are at risk of miscarriage or have an ectopic pregnancy if you have symptoms like cramps or vaginal bleeding.

• Estimating Foetal Age : Measuring hCG levels in the blood helps determine the age of the developing baby.

• Diagnosing Abnormal Pregnancies : Both molar pregnancies (abnormal cell proliferation in the uterus) and ectopic pregnancies (embryo implantation outside the uterus) can be detected with this test.

• Monitoring Pregnancy Progress : If complications are detected, the test might be redone over a few days to monitor the development of the pregnancy and assess health and viability.

Thus, the Beta hCG test is important for both pregnant and non-pregnant people.

Throughout pregnancy, the levels of hCG increase rapidly. The beta-hCG reference values by pregnancy week are listed below:

Interpretation:

• Increasing beta hCG levels are a key early indicator of pregnancy, with values increasing progressively during the first 8 weeks.

• Consistent elevated hCG levels can also result from certain hCG-like substances, antibodies (heterophilic), or non-specific protein binding in the blood.

• Persistent high hCG levels outside of pregnancy may indicate underlying problems or interference from other drugs.

• 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.