B-HCG
Dr. Sreelekha DaruvuriLast Updated on 21st March 2022Request a Call Back
What is the B-HCG test used for?
The B-HCG test is used for the following reasons:
- To confirm pregnancy in its early stages after a positive urine pregnancy test result at home.
- Diagnose complications in the pregnancy such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriages.
- Also used in estimating age of the fetus roughly.
- To screen and monitor foetal health problems such as Down syndrome.
- To diagnose certain kinds of cancer, such as testicular cancer in men.
- To determine conception in women undergoing fertility treatments.
What is included in the B-HCG test?
The Beta-HCG test can be done through a qualitative urine test or quantitative blood test, which determines the level of HCG hormone in the blood.
Procedure for B-HCG test
The healthcare provider will take the blood sample by going through the following steps:
- The first step involves wrapping an elastic band around the upper arm to slow the blood flow and make the arm’s veins more visible. This is to make the process of inserting the needle easier.
- Once a vein is located, the skin around the vein is cleaned.
- The needle is inserted into the vein, and a thin tube is attached to the end of the needle to collect the blood.
- After the blood is collected, the elastic band is removed from the arm.
- Once the needle is removed, gauze or cotton is placed on the injection site.
- Pressure is applied to the gauze or cotton and wrapped with a bandage.
How to prepare for the B-HCG test?
No particular preparation is required to take the B-HCG test. However, you must inform your doctor of any medication, vitamins, supplements, or Ayurvedic medications you are taking before the test.
Things to consider after the B-HCG test is complete
Once the test is completed, the test results are sent to the doctor, who may ask you to schedule a follow-up consultation to discuss the results.
What types of infection can the B-HCG test detect?
The Beta-HCG test does not detect any infection. For diagnosing infections, consult a doctor who will guide you to take the appropriate tests.
How much does the B-HCG test cost?*
The approximate price range for the B-HCG test is between INR 100 to INR 3000. Please check with your lab partner for more details on the price.
*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the results for the B-HCG test?
You can expect to get the results for the B-HCG test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in some instances, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.
What do abnormal B-HCG test results indicate?
Once your B-HCG results return, the doctor discusses the results with you. HCG levels are measured in ‘milli international units’ of HCG hormone per millilitre of blood. If your HCG levels are above or below the normal range, they can indicate a variety of conditions. Low levels of HCG above normal are indicative of:
- The blighted ovum or possible miscarriage
- Wrong calculation of the pregnancy date
- Ectopic pregnancy
In such cases, your doctor may conduct a transvaginal ultrasound to determine the pregnancy status.
High levels of HCG are indicative of:
- Multiple pregnancies such as twins or triplets
- Molar pregnancy – formation of an abnormal mass inside the uterus after fertilisation instead of an embryo.
- Malignancy of pancreas/lungs
Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor to interpret the test reports.
Is B-HCG a definitive test?
No. Like every test, the B-HCG test is not 100% accurate. Sometimes, the test can give false positives or false negatives due to multiple factors. In such cases, the doctor may ask you to get another B-HCG test every few days to be sure of the results.
How to read the B-HCG report?
HCG levels are measured in ‘milli international units’ of HCG hormone per millilitre of blood. While regular levels of HCG vary from woman to woman due to pregnancy being unique to each woman, below is a guideline as to the normal range of HCG levels during every week of pregnancy.
Week of pregnancy | Normal HCG level |
3 weeks | 5 – 50 mIU/mL |
4 weeks | 5 – 426 mIU/mL |
5 weeks | 18 – 7340 mIU/mL |
6 weeks | 1080 – 56,500 mIU/mL |
7 -8 weeks | 7650 – 229000 mIU/mL |
9 – 12 weeks | 25,700 – 288,000 mIU/mL |
13 – 16 weeks | 13,300 – 254000 mIU/mL |
17 – 24 weeks | 4060 – 165400 mIU/mL |
25 – 40 weeks | 3640 – 117000 mIU/mL |
Once the test results come back, consult your doctor for the test interpretations. Since the test can yield false positives or false negatives, your doctor may order multiple HCG tests within a few days or Ultrasound scan to be sure.
Why book a B-HCG test?
The B-HCG test is used for the following reasons:
- To confirm pregnancy in its early stages after a positive urine pregnancy test result at home.
- Diagnose complications in the pregnancy such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriages.
- helps in estimating approximate age of the fetus.
- To screen and monitor foetal chromosomal problems such as Down syndrome.
- To diagnose many kinds of tumours and cancers such as testicular cancer in men.
- To determine conception in women undergoing fertility treatments.
- To diagnose medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcers, and cirrhosis.
B-HCG test at home – how does it work?
The B-HCG test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.
Are there any risks involved with the B-HCG test?
The risk involved with the B-HCG test is very minimal. In rare cases, one may experience the following issues:
- Bruising at the needle site
- Lightheadedness
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Swollen veins
- Hematoma – a collection of blood outside the blood vessels
- Fainting
- Pain or stinging at the needle site
What can affect the results of the B-HCG test?
Like any other test, the B-HCG test is not 100% accurate. Usually, if the test results are negative, you are not pregnant, while positive results indicate pregnancy. However, the test can sometimes give false positives or false negatives due to various factors that can influence the HCG level in the body. These include:
- Fertility medications that contain HCG which may interfere with the HCG levels.
- Smoking marijuana can influence HCG levels.
- Presence of germ tumour cells.
- Hormonal changes due to medications or menopause.
For further assistance
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
Is the lab technician coming for the B-HCG sample collection vaccinated?
Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety by wearing masks and gloves and frequently sanitising themselves during the sample collection.
Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?
Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result and the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.
How can I download my B-HCG test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click on Attachment and Reports
- Click on Lab Report
- Download the report
Are there any discount offers running on the B-HCG test?
Usually, you can avail up to a 50% discount on the B-HCG test through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.
What are the symptoms experienced due to high levels of HCG?
Increased levels of HCG due to pregnancy may cause certain symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, nausea. This is why many women experience morning sickness during the first trimester due to rising HCG hormone levels. However, once the level plateaus which is around 8-12 weeks, the symptoms also go away.
Who should get the B-HCG test done?
Men and women can get this test depending on their symptoms. In addition, women can get this test done 10-12 days after conception to confirm their pregnancy.
What are the normal levels of HCG in non-pregnant women?
The normal level of HCG in non-pregnant women is less than 10.0 mIU/mL. However, if the test results show more than 10.0, it may indicate an issue. Consult your doctor for more information on the test results and treatment options.
Is HCG blood test better than HCG urine test?
Yes. This is because urine tests can be determined and influenced by factors such as the time of the day and dehydration, while HCG blood tests are far more accurate and provide conclusive results.
Are low levels of HCG something to be concerned about?
No. You can have low levels of HCG if you are not pregnant. If you are pregnant and have low levels of Beta Hcg and feel concerned, consult a doctor for more details as they may sometimes indicate underlying medical issues such as a possible miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
What is the difference between a urine HCG test and a blood HCG test?
Both urine and blood HCG tests measure the hormone HCG levels. However, the blood HCG test is more accurate than the urine HCG test because the urine test only tells you whether HCG is present or not, while the blood test can give the exact amount present in your body and beta HCG becomes detectable in blood much before than it appears in urine.