What Is Beta hCG Test: Preparation, Procedure, Cost, Normal Range
Beta hCG Test is a hormone secreted by the trophoblastic tissue during the embryonic development of a human being. When measuring hCG levels, blood and urine tests are accurate ways of determining hCG levels to confirm pregnancy. Serum tests for hCG are thought to be more sensitive and precise than urine tests, particularly in the case of early pregnancy.
Home pregnancy test kits, which can be bought at a drugstore, are usually used for the first confirmation, but to ensure the results are accurate, doctors perform blood and urine tests. These tests determine the hCG levels and are chosen for early use because they are more sensitive than urine tests and even early ultrasound examinations. Below we discuss the beta hCG test in detail regarding preparation, procedure, cost, and normal level.
What Is Beta hCG Test?
The Beta hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) test is the measurement of the beta subunit of hCG in the blood or urine. The placenta secretes this hormone soon after a fertilized egg buries itself in the uterine wall, which generally occurs between the sixth and eleventh day after conception. The hCG hormone plays a vital role in early pregnancy by sustaining the corpus luteum which produces progesterone in the first trimester.
The Beta hCG test is commonly used to confirm pregnancy because hCG increases rapidly in the first weeks and doubles in amount every 48 to 72 hours. It also assists in determining the age of the pregnancy, identifying problems that may be present such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage, and during prenatal care, the condition of the fetus such as Down syndrome.
Besides pregnancy-related, it is used for diagnosing and staging some cancers such as testicular, ovarian, and trophoblastic cancers because this tumour often produces abnormal levels of hCG. Benign diseases such as liver cirrhosis or inflammatory bowel disease might also raise the hCG levels. The test comes in the form of a qualitative one where the result is either negative or positive or a quantitative one where the exact hCG levels are measured, which provides deeper information on the progress of pregnancy or the presence of a tumour.
How to Prepare for a Beta hCG Test?
Here are some steps to get ready for your Beta-hCG test:
- Schedule Your Appointment: Book your test in advance, either at a diagnostic lab or for home sample collection, to avoid long wait times.
- Fasting is Not Required: You don’t need to fast unless your doctor has advised otherwise. You can eat as you normally would.
- Inform About Medications: Make sure your healthcare provider knows about any medications or supplements you’re taking. Certain drugs can affect the results, and your doctor may suggest adjustments beforehand.
- Bring Support: If you’re feeling anxious, consider bringing a friend or family member with you for emotional support.
Following these steps can help ensure a more straightforward experience.
What Is the Procedure for Beta-HCG Test?
The procedure for a Beta-hCG test varies depending on whether a blood or urine sample is required.
Blood Sample Collection
For a blood sample collection, a tourniquet is first tied around your upper arm to make the veins more visible. The area where the needle will be inserted is then cleaned with an alcohol swab to ensure it is disinfected. A small needle is inserted into a vein, and blood is drawn into a test tube. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and a bandage is applied to prevent infection. The blood sample is then sent to the lab for analysis.
Urine Sample Collection
For the urine sample collection, you will receive a sterile container and receive instructions on how to collect the sample. Once you have collected the urine, the sample will be sent to the lab for testing.
What Is the Cost of Beta-hCG Test in Srinagar?
The cost of a Beta-hCG test in India can vary based on location and the laboratory. On average, prices of Beta hCG test in Srinagar range from ₹499 to ₹750, with costs generally lower in smaller cities and higher in larger metropolitan areas.
For instance, in Noida, the test starts at ₹270, while in Chennai, it is available for ₹338. In major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, the cost is around ₹425. In other regions such as Lucknow or Allahabad, the price can reach up to ₹750. Additionally, this test is often offered at discounted rates through online lab booking platforms or specific health packages, which can provide savings of up to 50%.
Understanding the Normal Range of Beta hCG Test
As mentioned, hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Its levels in the blood help indicate the progression of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. These levels can vary widely among individuals, but there are some general ranges observed during different stages of pregnancy. Here is a typical progression of hCG levels measured in IU/L (International Units per Liter):
- At three weeks of pregnancy, the expected hCG levels range from 6 to 70 IU/L.
- By nine weeks, these levels can increase significantly, reaching between 64,000 and 150,000 IU/L.
- At twelve weeks, hCG levels typically fall to between 28,000 and 210,000 IU/L.
- By sixteen weeks, the levels further decrease to a range of 9,000 to 56,000 IU/L.
- Finally, during the period from twenty-nine to forty-one weeks, hCG levels can vary between 940 and 60,000 IU/L.
It’s important to remember that these ranges can vary. hCG levels typically peak between the 8th and 11th weeks, then decline and stabilize for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Conclusion
Beta-hCG test is very important in determining pregnancy and also in the diagnosis of several diseases. The blood or urine hCG test detects the presence of the hCG hormone and its levels can be used to monitor pregnancy, determine gestational age, and detect possible complications.
Acquiring knowledge on the preparation, procedure, cost, and normal ranges of this test will assist people to prepare for it effectively. Whether you are at home with a pregnancy test or are looking to get confirmation through laboratory analysis, knowing about the Beta-hCG test prepares you better for your healthcare process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What could interfere with the results of the Beta hCG test?
Various reasons might affect the accuracy of the Beta hCG test. For example, urine tests may give negative results if the sample has been diluted by water, so do not drink large amounts of water before the test. Blood tests are usually more accurate but can fluctuate depending on the time of the test or a woman’s health condition.
Why is the Beta hCG test performed preferred over an ultrasound in cases of early pregnancy detection?
The Beta hCG test is more sensitive than an early ultrasound and can be positive as early as six to eleven days after conception. Because hCG increases rapidly, they can affirm pregnancy earlier than an embryo can be seen by ultrasound, particularly before 5-6 weeks of pregnancy.
Is there anything that Beta hCG tests can diagnose aside from pregnancy?
Yes, Beta hCG tests can detect conditions that are not pregnancy-related. Higher levels of hCG may also mean testicular or ovarian cancer, and can also be associated with problems such as an ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.
What are the uses of Beta hCG testing beyond confirming pregnancy?
Beyond confirming pregnancy, Beta hCG testing helps monitor conditions like ectopic pregnancies and certain cancers, such as testicular and ovarian cancer. It can also indicate trophoblastic diseases, like choriocarcinoma, which originates from the placenta.