The beta hCG test is a blood test that accurately detects pregnancy in its early stages by measuring hCG levels. It can also be used to monitor the health of a known pregnancy. However, hCG levels should not be used to determine gestational age or viability unless compared to previous results. Doctors may perform the test if there are suspected problems such as vaginal bleeding or cramping.
The beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test refers to a blood test that can read the exact levels of hCG in a woman’s blood. This can also be called a quantitative hCG test and is the most accurate test available for detecting pregnancy in its early stages. By comparison, urine pregnancy tests and qualitative blood tests only detect the presence of hCG, but are generally not sensitive enough to read levels below a certain amount. Beta hCG levels are therefore highly recommended to check for a pregnancy as early as possible and to check the health of a known pregnancy by making sure the hCG readings are normal.
HCG is a hormone produced by the cells that will become the placenta and is needed to alert the body that pregnancy has occurred. This tells the brain and ovaries not to secrete additional hormones to bring about a monthly menstrual period, but instead to begin supplying hormones to support the pregnancy and its needs. Beta hCG levels should be able to predict pregnancy within one to two days of implantation, which generally occurs four to seven days after conception. Implantation occurs when the group of cells that will become the baby, placenta and yolk sac get stuck in the lining of the uterus.
Exact levels of beta hCG vary widely from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy. For this reason, hCG levels should not be used to determine the gestational age of the embryo or to determine the viability of a pregnancy unless they are compared to previous results. In most cases, as long as beta hCG levels rise and double approximately every 48 hours, pregnancy is considered viable. If the levels drop or stay the same, this could indicate an early miscarriage.
Doctors do not normally do routine tests to check beta hCG levels in detected pregnancies unless a problem is suspected. Problems warranting testing may include vaginal bleeding, severe cramping, or a past miscarriage in the mother. Tests may be done to obtain hCG levels and then resumed two days later to ensure hormone levels are rising at the appropriate rate. It should be noted, however, that in some cases, hCG levels rise more quickly or slowly, even in healthy pregnancies. If beta hCG levels rise at a slower-than-average rate, a transvaginal ultrasound may be the best way to determine whether or not pregnancy is viable.
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