Check your beta-hCG levels to confirm if you are pregnant. Beta-HCG is detected in blood at lower levels than in a urine test.
As well as confirming pregnancy as early as possible, it is perfect for women who want to have repeat beta-hCG tests to ensure that their pregnancy is progressing healthily in the early stages.
This test works with a finger-prick home test as well as with a phlebotomy sample.
What can I expect from Pregnancy Test - Beta hCG (Quantitative)?
Beta-hCG is a hormone which is very accurate at confirming at the earliest possible moment whether you are pregnant or not.
Many women prefer to regularly check their beta-hCG levels, particularly in early pregnancy, as the level rises steadily throughout the first trimester, before dropping down to a steady level for the rest of the pregnancy.
Seeing the steady rise in levels can be reassuring. If the levels stop rising during the first 10 weeks you should see you healthcare professional as it may indicate a problem with the pregnancy's progression.
The test is quantitative so you can get a general indication of the age of the pregnancy. The "normal" range is very wide so it may not be possible to be completely confident of the age of the pregnancy but it will give a potentially useful parameter.
NB: On occasions beta-HCG is produced by some types of cancer so if there is any doubt it is important to get checked by a doctor.
This tests works well with a finger-prick home test as well as with a phlebotomy sample taken in any one of our nationwide network of partner locations.
Description provided by London Medical Laboratory.