A Beta HCG Blood Test measures the amount of beta-HCG in the blood, often referred to as a pregnancy test. Even before over-the-counter urine tests, a pregnancy confirmation can be obtained thanks to this incredibly sensitive test that can identify extremely low levels of HCG. An HCG level of 25 is regarded as positive.
Beta HCG tests can be booked as an individual test or as two tests, with the second test taken three days after the first to monitor HCG levels. A single blood test can confirm pregnancy; however, if there are any pregnancy concerns, such as an ectopic pregnancy, you would need to book two Beta HCG blood tests, as the HCG levels would need to be monitored over a period to see if they are increasing or decreasing.
At Ultrasound Care, we offer an affordable option for Beta HCG blood tests, offering individual and double blood tests.
Get 2 Beta HCG Blood Tests for £99!
Or Book a Single Beta BCG Blood Test for £59
If you would like to book 2 tests with us, please let us know so that we can ensure your second blood draw booked correctly, allowing our team to do a second blood draw 3 days after your first appointment with us.
What is Beta HCG?
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone produced in females by the placental cells. During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the levels of HCG in the body rapidly increases when the pregnancy is healthy. Typically, it can double every 48-72 hours.
A Beta HCG blood test can monitor the level of HCG in the body, detecting a healthy pregnancy and providing reliable indication that the pregnancy is progressing. As a more advanced form of pregnancy testing, an HCG blood test can detect pregnancy earlier than home tests and can also suggest a multiple pregnancy based on HCG levels.
This blood test can also be used throughout early pregnancy to monitor the progress of your pregnancy and evaluate any potential ectopic pregnancy.
Why We Recommend a Beta HCG Blood Test
There are a few reasons why we would recommend a Beta HCG blood test:
- Pregnancy Testing: HCG is often referred to as the ‘pregnancy hormone’, with levels increasing rapidly during the early stages of pregnancy. This blood test can be used to detect pregnancy very early on. Often, a Beta HCG blood test can detect pregnancy from 10 days after conception.
- Early Pregnancy Monitoring: Alongside confirming pregnancy, this blood test can help to monitor the levels of HCG throughout the early stages of pregnancy, ensuring healthy progression. The monitoring of HCG levels can also be key indicators of potential concerns or complications in the pregnancy, including ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
- Assessing Fertility Treatments: As part of fertility treatments, HCG injections are commonly used to trigger ovulation. The monitoring of HCG levels can indicate whether or not the fertility treatment has been effective and ensure optimal timing for procedures including egg retrieval or insemination.
What is Tested in Beta HCG Blood Tests?
A Beta HCG blood test has 3 hormone biomarkers:
- Beta HCG: This is a hormone in the body, produced by the placenta during pregnancy.
- Progesterone: Levels of progesterone will rise during ovulation and continue to do so with successful pregnancy.
- Hormone Phase: This is the second phase of a women’s menstrual cycle, known as the luteal phase, occurring after ovulation, before the first day of a period.
Preparing For Your Beta HCG Blood Test
There are a few things that you can do in order to best prepare for your blood test:
- Dress Comfortably: Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to both arms.
- Hydrate Beforehand: We advise drinking plenty of water 24 hours before your blood test. This will make the blood draw smoother.
- Medication Matters: If you take any anticoagulant medication, we advise that you take this after your appointment. If this is not possible, please let us know before your appointment so that we can discuss the best course of action.
Are you nervous about needles? No worries! Let our team know when you arrive for your appointment. We will make sure that you are calm and comfortable during your appointment, working with you to make your blood draw as quick and painless as possible.
Our Process: Beta HCG Blood Test
At Ultrasound Care, we aim to make every appointment calm and welcoming. Beta HCG Blood Test appointments will be approximately 10 minutes.
During your blood test appointment, a fully trained phlebotomist will take a blood sample for you. The process will reflect the following steps:
- Our professional phlebotomist will uncover your left or right arm.
- A tourniquet will be placed on your upper arm. This is used to help swell your veins, making it easier to place a needle.
- Once successfully fitted, a sample of blood will be drawn into tubes.
- Once completed, the needle and tourniquet will be removed and a plaster placed on the open wound. This can be removed after a couple of hours.
Following the blood draw, blood samples are sent to our authorised partners TDL for analysis. TDL are based in the UK, ensuring that all results are quick and accurate.
By booking a private blood test appointment with us you are agreeing to your personal information being shared with TDL solely for the purpose of this test. Your express permission for this will also be asked during your appointment.
Blood Test Results
You can expect your blood test results within 2 - 3 working days.
Results can be discussed further with your GP or fertility provider once received. Ultrasound Care does not review or interpret your blood test results.
With clinics in Birmingham, Bromsgrove and London, we are here to provide you with a professional service that gives you quick and accurate results. Book your blood test online today or call your local clinic for more information. For a same-day appointment, please call your local clinic.
Blood Test FAQs
Yes, it's quite common. Sometimes, a bit of bleeding can occur under the skin near the puncture site. If you're concerned, check with your practice nurse.
Don't worry. There are a few reasons why this might happen, like not being hydrated enough or having a recent blood test. We'll always offer you another appointment to try again.
We'll send your results directly to you. We recommend sharing these with your GP or fertility provider for expert interpretation and guidance.
Only a small amount of blood is drawn, approximately 8ml.
