Beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta hCG) – pregnancy blood test

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Why beta hCG is tested

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the embryo and placenta from implantation onwards. A quantitative blood test detects pregnancy earlier and more reliably than a urine test, and the numerical result allows its progression to be monitored: in early pregnancy, the concentration doubles every 2–3 days, peaks around weeks 8–10, then falls and stabilises. Outside pregnancy, hCG can be a marker of certain tumours (hydatidiform mole, germ cell tumours, including in men).

When to consider this test

• suspected pregnancy, especially when a urine test is negative or inconclusive and your period is late,
• after embryo transfer during IVF (usually around 10 days after transfer),
• abdominal pain or spotting in early pregnancy (suspected ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage), always alongside ultrasound,
• before an X-ray, CT scan, procedure or starting medicines contraindicated in pregnancy,
• monitoring after miscarriage or a molar pregnancy (the concentration should fall to zero),
• cancer investigations at a doctor’s request.

How to prepare

• Fasting is not required, and the sample can be collected at any time of day. For repeat testing, use the same time of day to compare results.
• Tell your doctor about medicines containing hCG (used to stimulate ovulation, e.g. Pregnyl, Ovitrelle): they raise the result for several days.
• To compare changes over time, have both tests performed at the same laboratory; different methods produce different values.

Understanding your result

Results are reported in mIU/ml (equivalent to IU/l). Reference ranges by week of pregnancy are very broad and vary between laboratories, so the doctor primarily assesses changes over time rather than a single value.

After menopause, the pituitary gland secretes trace amounts of hCG (usually up to approximately 14 mIU/ml), which do not indicate pregnancy. High hCG in a man or a woman who is not pregnant requires investigation for cancer.

Other tests to consider alongside beta hCG

In early pregnancy, the doctor often also requests progesterone, and at the start of pregnancy, full blood count, TSH, glucose, blood group, toxoplasmosis testing and rubella testing. Conveniently combined in a panel: pregnancy test panel. Read more: Badania-Medyczne.pl.

Sources: ALAB laboratoria, Beta HCG (doubling every 48 h, peak at weeks 8–10, ectopic pregnancy, IVF); Mayo Clinic Laboratories, hCG Quantitative, Pregnancy, Serum (threshold <5 IU/L, doubling every 2–3 days, 1000–2000 IU/L and a gestational sac on ultrasound, hCG after menopause). For information only; does not replace medical advice.