Beta hCG Test
Monitoring Pregnancy
with
Beta hCG Test
The beta hCG (human chorionic
gonadotropin) test is a blood test that measures the level of hCG, a hormone
produced during the pregnancy. This test is often carried out to confirm and
monitor the pregnancy and its progression and ensure that hCG levels are
increasing as expected during the gestation period. A significant increase in
the levels of hCG during pregnancy is a positive sign and an indication of
healthy, developing pregnancy. hCG can be detected in the blood as early as 11
days after a missed period. As a part of monitoring pregnancy, doctors usually
recommend a serial testing to ensure that hCG levels are doubling every 48 to
72 hours in the early stages of pregnancy.
Overview of the Key Factors of Beta hCG Test:
What do the changes in the level of hCG indicate?
A significant increase in the hCG
levels during early pregnancy is an indication of a healthy, normal, and
developing pregnancy. In non-pregnant individuals, hCG levels should be very
low or undetectable; if the levels are rising significantly, an ultrasound is
often suggested for further evaluation. Abnormal hCG levels or an abnormal rate
of increase in levels of hCG can be an indication of ectopic pregnancy or other
complications. In healthy pregnancy, a slower rate of increase or a plateau in
hCG levels can be an indication of a potential problem with the pregnancy. In
the first trimester, the normal levels of hCG are between 5,000 to 200,000
mIU/mL. And as levels of hCG start to decline from the second trimester, their
levels reach somewhere between 3000-50,000 mIU/L and in the third trimester
these levels are extremely low and not used for monitoring pregnancy.
Procedure:
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No specific preparations are required before the test
but patients may follow any instructions given to them by their healthcare
providers.
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A trained nurse or phlebotomist will clean the area on
the arm with an antiseptic solution and tie a tourniquet to make the vein
easily visible.
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A needle is then inserted into the vein to collect the
blood sample in a specialised tube and the needle is then removed.
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A gauze or bandage is applied to the area of
venipuncture to prevent further bleeding or infection.
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For beta hCG urine test, patients must collect a urine
sample in a clean container and then submit it in the laboratory for further
analysis.
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The samples are then sent to the lab for analysis and
the results are then interpreted by the healthcare provider.
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In home test kits, a positive result which is indicated
by one line is the presence of hCG in blood or urine, confirming pregnancy.
Benefits:
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Relatively quick, easy, and painless
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Helps in accurate detection and confirmation of
pregnancy
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Serial beta hCG tests helps in monitoring progression
of pregnancy
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Helps in timely identification of ectopic pregnancies;
which occur when a fertilised egg implants outside uterus
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Aids in the detection of multiple pregnancies due to
significantly elevation of hCG levels
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Plays an important role in confirming pregnancy in
individuals undergoing fertility treatments like in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
Precautions to be Taken for beta hCG Test:
Patients must inform their healthcare providers if they are medications, including over-the-counter drugs or supplements as they can affect levels of hCG. Timing is very crucial for early pregnancy detection so patients must ensure they undergo tests at the correct time as too early testing cna yield a negative result. If the patient has any concerns or doubts regarding the procedure, it is advisable that they consult a healthcare provider for information or guidance. If a serial beta hCG test is advised to monitor the progress of pregnancy, it is essential for the patients to follow the recommended schedule for repeat testing as it will ensure accurate evaluation of the rate of hCG increase in the blood.
