What can I expect from this Pregnancy Test - Beta HCG?
This is a quantitative Beta HCG test that can identify whether you are pregnant or not. It can also be used to monitor how your pregnancy is progressing on a weekly basis.
This test is more sensitive than a urine pregnancy test allowing you to confirm pregnancy earlier.
What is the difference between the blood test and the standard urine test?
Whilst both tests measure beta HCG levels, studies have shown that the blood test allows for earlier detection of pregnancy as it is more sensitive.
Typically, the urine test is best done 1 week after a missed period as before this time the accuracy is limited. There is also a higher chance of a false positive result.
The added benefit of this beta HCG blood test (quantitative) is that it is able to tell you how far along the pregnancy is. Repeated testing can tell you if the pregnancy is progressing at the expected level and potentially identify issues.
What potential issues can this test identify?
If the level of HCG is low or the trend is declining then this can be an indication of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. However, this is not diagnostic and would require a detailed review with your doctor.
If the level of HCG is high or the trend is increasing at a rate faster than expected then this can be an indication of multiple pregnancy (twins etc) or Molar pregnancy. However, this is not diagnostic and would require a detailed review with your doctor.
What else can this beta HCG blood test be used for?
Fertility clinics can use HCG injections to help increase the chances of IVF or IUI being successful. Therefore, this test can also be used to monitor your levels if you are going through this process.
Identifying conditions of this test
Pregnancy (1 Biomarkers)
The presence of the hormone Beta-HCG is used to confirm pregnancy and the quantitative levels of this hormone in your blood can be used to determine the gestational age of your foetus.
Beta-hCG
Test Arrives: You will receive everything you need in the kit to carry out at home including simple step-by-step instructions. For more detailed instructions, please see the instruction video on the London Medical Laboratory website.
Take Your Test: The home-testing kits use a simple finger-prick blood sample you can take yourself in the comfort of your own home. Ensuring that you have followed the instructions provided, simply use the enclosed lancets and tube to collect your own blood sample.
Receive Results: Following the instructions provided, fill out the enclosed forms and label your blood test. Then, take your sample and return it to the laboratory using the Royal Mail 1st Class Tracked postal bag included with the kit.
You will receive your results on the day after they receive your sample in their laboratory.
London Medical run a 24/7 laboratory operation and test all samples as quickly as possible after receiving them which enables their team of in-house GPs to review and communicate your results in the fastest possible time frame.
Please visit the London Medical Laboratory website www.londonmedicallaboratory.com before ordering to find more information and a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
