An HcG Beta Blood test is a sensitive test and can detect pregnancy as early as 10 days after fertilization. Upon conception, a woman’s body starts to produce a “Pregnancy hormone” called the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, commonly referred to as HcG. HcG production begins approximately 8–10 days after conception when the embryo starts to implant itself into the uterine lining (implantation).
As the embryo grows, the level of HcG rises, and generally should double every two to three days. A dramatic decrease in the levels may indicate a miscarriage. HcG beta levels can also be used to identify a multiple pregnancy. The Beta HcG chart is to be used only as a guideline. Please consult your doctor for further information.
| Weeks from the Last Menstrual Period (LMP) | Amount of hCG in mIU/ml |
| 3 | 5–50 |
| 4 | 3–426 |
| 5 | 19–7,340 |
| 6 | 1,080–56,500 |
| 7–8 | 7,650–229,000 |
| 9–12 | 25,700–288,000 |
| 13–16 | 13,300–254,000 |
| 17–24 | 4,060–165,400 |
| 25–40 | 3,640–117,000 |
Urine Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG Pregnancy Test)
Where is test performed?
Commercial laboratory, hospital, doctor’s office. Test requires only a few minutes in the laboratory. Collect a urine specimen of at least 15ml (about 1 tablespoon) or more. If possible, collect the first–voided morning urine.
Seeing
Urine color varies greatly, whether you’re healthy or ill. Tell the technician, nurse or doctor if urine appears red, cloudy, smoky or has any other strange appearance or color.
Smelling
Urine may have a noticeably abnormal odor if it is concentrated. Many drugs and foods affect the smell and other characteristics of urine. Report any unusual odors to the technician, nurse or doctor.
Feeling
Collecting a urine specimen should not cause pain. If it does, notify the technician, nurse or doctor. Test results are determined by hemagglutination inhibition.
Normal Values
- If agglutination fails to occur, test results are positive, indicating pregnancy.
- After delivery, hCG levels decline rapidly, within a few days they are undetectable.
- Measurable hCG should not be found in the urine of men or non–pregnant women.
- During pregnancy, elevated levels may indicate multiple pregnancy or Erythroblastosis Fetalis.
- Choriocarcinoma in men and non–pregnant women.
- Ovarian or testicular tumors in men and non–pregnant women.
- Melanoma in men and non–pregnant women.
- Multiple myeloma in men and non–pregnant women.
- Gastric, hepatic, pancreatic or breast cancer in men and non–pregnant women.
- Threatened abortion.
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Taking these drugs may affect test results
- Carbamazepine.
- Chlorpromazine.
- Phenothiazines.
- Promethazine.
- Early pregnancy.
- Threatened abortion.
- Tap water or soap in the specimen.
- Protein or blood in the urine.
- Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
- Failure to collect all urine during the test period.
- Failure to store the specimen properly.
