The Beta hCG test, a straightforward blood test, measures human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in the body. This hormone is produced by early embryonic cells, typically during pregnancy. Measuring hCG levels assists in confirming a normal pregnancy and diagnosing complications such as ectopic pregnancies (where the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus), multiple pregnancies, or miscarriages. It is also useful for monitoring hCG levels after an abortion and is known as the pregnancy test or maternal marker since it identifies the hormone produced during pregnancy.

The Beta hCG test is deemed more reliable than home pregnancy kits that depend on urine tests for pregnancy confirmation. This test can identify even tiny amounts of hCG in the blood, enabling it to determine the foetus’s age. It can reveal pregnancy information as early as 7-10 days after conception and tracks hCG levels throughout the pregnancy.

If you are in Noida and want to confirm your pregnancy or get more insights into your pregnancy, book a Beta hCG test in Noida today.

Here are some factors you should be aware of to guarantee reliable findings from hCG, which is a crucial diagnostic test for identifying pregnancy and evaluating pregnancy health:

Prerequisites

You do not need to fast for the hCG test.

The Best Time to Get Tested

Although the test is feasible at any time, it is most commonly carried out after a missed period. This timing is chosen to accurately detect the elevated hCG levels of early pregnancy. Testing earlier might lead to a negative result even if pregnant.

Who Should Get a Beta hCG Test

Those needing to detect pregnancy, evaluate the health of an ongoing pregnancy, experiencing symptoms such as severe cramping or unusual bleeding, or with a history of miscarriage are candidates for the test.

Cautions Before Taking the Beta hCG Test

It is important to know that certain health conditions (like tumours or recent pregnancy loss) and medications (such as those with hCG) can influence test results. Therefore, you should inform your doctor about any medications you are using.

The beta-hCG test is vital for detecting different health issues, especially those connected to pregnancy. Here are the main reasons to take the test:

• Confirming Pregnancy : Within the first 10 days following conception, hCG levels in the blood and urine increase, making it a reliable early pregnancy indication.

• Diagnosing Abnormal Pregnancies : The test helps identify ectopic pregnancies (embryo implants outside the uterus) and molar pregnancies (abnormal cell growth in the uterus).

• Estimating Foetal Age : Measuring hCG levels helps estimate the age of the developing baby.

• Monitoring Pregnancy Progress : If difficulties are suspected, the test might be repeated over a few days to track the pregnancy's development and evaluate health and viability.

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

Thus, the Beta hCG test provides critical information for both pregnant and non-pregnant individuals.

During pregnancy, the levels of hCG increase exponentially. The reference values for beta-hCG levels based on pregnancy weeks are listed below:

Interpretation:

• Early pregnancy is indicated by elevated beta-hCG levels, which rise gradually throughout the first 8 weeks of pregnancy.

• Consistently elevated hCG levels may result from the presence of certain antibodies (heterophilic), non-specific protein binding, or hCG-like substances in the blood.

• Extended periods of elevated hCG levels outside of pregnancy should initiate further testing for possible underlying diseases or drug interference.

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