HCG Test - Price, Purpose, Preparation, Range 2024

Table of Content

Introduction to HCG Test

The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) maternal marker test is a blood test that helps to identify and confirm the pregnancy. A HCG test for pregnancy measures the hormone in the body called hCG, produced during pregnancy by the placenta and found in the blood and urine. This hormone, produced by the placenta, acts as a pregnancy signal, rising rapidly during the first trimester and stabilizing later. Testing for hcG is done 10 days after conception to determine if you are pregnant.

Measuring hCG can also help identify complications during pregnancy. Abnormal hCG levels might indicate concerns about ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or chromosomal abnormalities. Doctors may recommend the test if you have missed the periods to find ectopic pregnancy and chromosomal abnormalities. The HCG level test is highly sensitive to detect hCG as early as 10 days after ovulation. Choose Redcliffe Labs as your diagnostic partner to get the HCG blood test. With us, you can book your test in just one minute, and a professional phlebotomist will come to your home to collect the blood sample. Book your test with us today!

Test details in brief

Purpose of the HCG Maternal Marker (Pregnancy) Test

The main function of HCG blood tests is to identify if you are pregnant. Both urine and blood tests for hCG can be used for this purpose. Here is the purpose of the HCG test 

• Pregnancy Confirmation- The test is commonly used to detect the pregnancy. HCG levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy and the positive test indicates a high chance of conception. Early detection helps in prenatal care to begin as soon as possible.
• Monitoring pregnancy health-  The HCG test diagnoses gestational age (fetal development stage), and detects potential problems like abnormal pregnancy growth, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage. 
• Diagnosing gestational issues- The test identifies ectopic pregnancy screens down syndrome if you are pregnant as a part of prenatal screening.
• Detect certain cancers- In some cases, the test helps detect trophoblastic cells (placenta-related) associated with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), a term for pregnancy-related tumors.

What does the HCG Maternal Marker (Pregnancy) Test measure?

The pregnancy test measures the HCG hormones during pregnancy. There are two different ways to measure hCG results:

• Qualitative: The positive and negative results depend on the presence or absence of hCG in the blood sample. The qualitative test can be done either by blood or urine sample. This test confirms pregnancy.
• Quantitative: The test measures the amount of hCG present in the blood. Moreover, with confirming a pregnancy, quantitative hCG tests can also be used as part of the diagnostic process for abnormal pregnancies.

Preparation for the HCG blood test 

The HCG blood test requires minimal preparation before the test. 

• You don't need to fast before the hCG blood test. 
• Consult your doctor to determine the right timing for your hCG test. The test is usually recommended after missing periods. Regular tests might be scheduled throughout the first trimester to monitor pregnancy health.
• Don't stress, and stay relaxed before the test.
• Stay hydrated and avoid excess alcohol and caffeine intake.
• Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.

The Procedure of the HCG Blood Test

The HCG blood test is a simple blood test. The phlebotomist will collect the blood sample from the vein of your arm. From the beginning, the phlebotomist will tie an elastic band on the arm and clean the arm area from an antiseptic solution. After that, he will collect the blood sample. After collecting the blood sample, the healthcare provider will put a bandage or cotton gauze on the puncture site. The process will not take more than 3 to 5 minutes. 

What do the HCG blood test reports indicate?

The hCG test reports will be shared within 12 hours of sample collection. 

• Positive Result- If your HCG levels are above than normal range, it indicates pregnancy. 
• Negative Result- With HCG levels below the normal range means you are not pregnant. 
• High hCG Levels- Throughout the first trimester, hCG levels rise, doubling roughly every 2-3 days. This indicates healthy fetal development.
• Normal hCG Level- After peaking around 10-12 weeks, hCG levels stabilize for the rest of the pregnancy. This is also considered normal.
• Abnormal hCG Levels- If the level of Hcg is higher or lower than normal, then it might be due to -Ectopic pregnancy- hCG levels may be lower than expected.
• Molar pregnancy- hCG levels might be abnormally high.
• Miscarriage- hCG levels often drop suddenly.
• Abnormal fetal growth- Significant deviations from expected hCG levels could indicate potential concerns.

Beta HCG Test Report - Redcliffe Labs

What is HCG normal range?

HCG levels are measured in mIU/mL. The normal hCG levels in non pregnant women are 10.0 mIU/mL. Normal Level of HCG during pregnancy for each week from the last menstrual period is mentioned below- 

When should I get the HCG pregnancy Test?

The timing of the HCG pregnancy test depends on your specific situation; here are some situations when your doctor recommends taking the HCG test.

• If you experience early pregnancy symptoms like missed periods, nausea, or breast tenderness, your doctor might recommend an HCG test as early as a few days after your missed period.
• For earlier confirmation, an HCG blood test can be done as early as 10 days after ovulation. 
• If you've confirmed pregnancy, your doctor will likely order HCG blood tests throughout the first trimester to monitor fetal development and identify potential problems like abnormal growth, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage risk. 
• In some cases, HCG tests evaluate hormonal imbalances. 

Consult with your doctor to determine the best timing of your HCG test based on your medical conditions. 

Who should take the HCG blood test?

There are certain circumstances when doctors recommend to take HCG blood test These are- 

• The women who are suspected to be pregnant.
• Women who are taking fertility treatments, 
• Pregnant women should take the HCG level test as part of prenatal screening and pregnancy monitoring.

What are the common symptoms related to early pregnancy?

Here are some of the common symptoms of early pregnancy that indicate you need an HCG test. 

• Missed period
• Nausea and vomiting
• Morning sickness
• Breast Changes
• Fatigue and Tiredness
• Food Cravings
• Frequent Urination
• Mood swings
• Bloating and Gas
• Cramping

Consult with your doctor if you are experiencing the above symptoms. Take an hCG blood test from nearby Redcliffe Labs or book home sample collection.

HCG Blood test price at Redcliffe Labs

The HCG test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 499. You can book your test with us at affordable prices and also get the best discounts and offers. Our labs are fully automated and advanced labs. You can easily rely on the test reports as our labs are NABL-accredited and ISO certified. Book your HCG home pregnancy test with us to get the best diagnostic and hassle free experience.

Other Pregnancy-Related Tests/Packages That You Can Book With Redcliffe Labs

Take the HCG Maternal Marker Test for Ensure Maternal Wellness

Understanding the importance of maternal health is important and HCG Maternal Marker Test plays a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of both the expectant mother and the developing fetus. The HCG level test measures the HCG levels and provides valuable insights into the pregnancy's progress and potential complications. The test helps to detect and monitor pregnancies, assess fetal health, and identify early complications. Beyond confirming pregnancy, HCG levels also aid in diagnosing gestational trophoblastic diseases and evaluating the risk of miscarriage. Expectant mothers should consider the HCG Maternal Marker Test as an essential component of prenatal care. Timely and accurate information provided by the test empowers healthcare professionals to address potential concerns, and enhance the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy. Get the HCG test from Redcliffe Labs to foster a journey towards a thriving and joyful pregnancy.