Pregnancy Test (β-hCG)
A pregnancy test detects human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the developing placenta shortly after an embryo implants in the uterus. A urine test confirms whether you are pregnant, while a blood test can also measure the exact amount of hormone, known as quantitative β-hCG.
At YGOPH, quantitative β-hCG is used to confirm very early pregnancy, to follow pregnancies of uncertain location when an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, to monitor women after a miscarriage, and to follow up a molar pregnancy. A pregnancy test is also done before some treatments, surgery and X-ray examinations when a woman may be pregnant.
What is β-hCG?
hCG can be detected in the blood about 8 to 11 days after conception and in urine a little later, usually around the time of a missed period. In a normal early pregnancy, the level roughly doubles every two to three days during the first weeks. A level that rises too slowly, stops rising or falls can signal a problem, which is why doctors sometimes repeat the blood test 48 hours later.
- A missed or unusual period
- Abdominal pain or bleeding in early pregnancy
- Suspected ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
- Follow-up after a molar pregnancy
- Before surgery, certain medicines or X-ray examinations
Good to know
Urine test or blood test?
A urine test is quick, inexpensive and reliable from the first day of a missed period. A quantitative blood test is more sensitive, can detect pregnancy earlier and gives a precise level, which is useful when doctors need to follow how a pregnancy is developing. Your doctor will choose the most suitable test.
When the result needs follow-up
In early pregnancy, β-hCG is interpreted together with an ultrasound scan. If the pregnancy is not yet visible on ultrasound, two blood tests 48 hours apart help doctors distinguish a normal pregnancy from a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. Severe pain, fainting or heavy bleeding in early pregnancy need immediate attention in our emergency department.