hCG Pregnancy Test (Quantitative)
If you’re expecting, an hCG blood test is an excellent way to confirm your pregnancy with certainty.
This test determines the exact level of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in your blood, a hormone that can be detected around 10 days after conception. It offers earlier and more reliable pregnancy detection compared to traditional home tests. ²
Additionally, under the supervision of a healthcare professional, this test can help identify ectopic pregnancies, monitor high-risk pregnancies, or confirm the absence of pregnancy prior to undergoing medical treatments that may affect fetal development. ¹
Why Accuracy Matters
While blood pregnancy tests are highly reliable, false results—both negative and positive—can still occur, similar to urine or home pregnancy tests.
False Negative Results (negative test result, but you’re pregnant): This typically happens if the test is done too early, as it takes approximately 10 days after conception for hCG levels to be detectable. A false negative may occur if there isn’t enough hCG in the blood at the time of testing. Since hCG levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy, it’s recommended to retake the beta hCG quantitative test after 48 to 72 hours if you suspect the result was premature and you’ve missed your period. ²
False Positive Results (positive test result, but you’re not pregnant): Although rare, this can happen due to certain medications containing hCG or specific medical conditions. ²
Before Taking the Test
Preparation: No special preparation is needed.
What’s Should I Check
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
This test measures the levels of hCG, a hormone produced by the placenta, in the blood. It offers more accurate and earlier pregnancy detection compared to other methods.
Why Choose This Test
References
(1). MedlinePlus. HCG blood test – quantitative. MedlinePlus website. Updated March 11, 2022. Accessed October 27, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003510.htm
(2). American Pregnancy Association. What is HCG? American Pregnancy Association website. Accessed October 27, 2022. https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/hcg-levels/
(3). Testing.com. Pregnancy Test (hCG). Testing.com website. Updated September 27, 2022. Accessed October 27, 2022. https://www.testing.com/tests/pregnancy-test-hcg/
Popular Questions
FAQ list that we hope will help answer some of the more common queries
What’s the Difference Between a CBC and a CMP Test?
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test evaluates the levels of red and white blood cells in your bloodstream, providing insights into your overall blood health.
In contrast, a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) test analyzes various substances in your blood to assess your metabolic health. With guidance from your healthcare provider, a CMP can help identify potential issues such as diabetes, kidney dysfunction, liver conditions, or imbalances in electrolytes. ³ ⁴
How long does the testing process take?
Once your blood sample is taken, your sample package will be securely couriered to our laboratory within 1-8 hours on business days or with 24-48 if samples taken on weekends. Once your sample reaches the lab, your results may be available online that day* and definitely within two business day.
How accurate are my results?
Folacare partners with some of the most prominent INAB-certified labs in the country that conduct specialty testing. These labs perform regular quality assurance testing and are the same labs many doctors, GPs and HSE hospitals use to perform their testing. If you want to find out more about their validation processes, please email us at info@iksanika.com
What is cut off age for taking blood sample?
You must be at least 18 years of age and under 75 years to give a blood sample.
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