What is HCG?
HCG is the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone. It is found in females and attains high levels during pregnancy because it is produced by the placenta during the developmental stages of the child. The HCG thickens the uterine lining to support implantation and nourishment of the embryo during pregnancy. HCG levels increase after conception and continue to rise during the first ten weeks of pregnancy. The hormone is also called the pregnancy hormone because it can increase during pregnancy. HCG tests are done to confirm pregnancy. HCG appears in the blood and urine after 10 or 11 days of conception. Therefore even when there are no other signs of pregnancy, an HCG test can confirm if you are pregnant. HCG thickens the lining of the uterus and stops periods during pregnancy. The levels of the hormone rise differently for different women, depending on the phase of their pregnancy.
How is the HCG test done?
HCG levels rise in both blood and urine. So, doctors can suggest a test of blood or urine samples for detection. There are two types of blood tests to check HCG. A qualitative test for HCG does not show the exact volume of HCG present, but it shows that HCG is present at a peaked level. A quantitative HCG test is more detailed and shows the quantity of HCG in the blood. The quantitative blood HCG test is a better option when testing for the hormone. There are other ways of testing HCG levels. For example, you might see a high level of HCG when you check with an at-home pregnancy kit on your urine sample.
At-home pregnancy test kits and HCG levels
The at-home pregnancy kits are easy to use. You have to urinate on the strip or place a drop of urine on the chemical strip of the test stick. While at-home pregnancy test kits are popular, they are accurate when you have a high level of HCG hormone in your body. Therefore, these test kits can be inaccurate when tested at the beginning of pregnancy. HCG levels are not checked more than once or twice during your pregnancy. For checking HCG levels, it is always better to go for a doctor’s consultation and get a quantitative test done for HCG levels. It will tell you exactly what your health condition is. The doctor will mostly check the HCG levels at the beginning of the pregnancy and only in the first trimester. Later HCG tests are usually not needed. However, some conditions need further testing for the patient. If you know that you are pregnant and the initial HCG level is lower than what it should be, then you need to go for the test again in a few days. Doctors often use HCG levels to predict any kind of congenital disorder in the baby during development. High levels of HCG hormone can also show that you are either carrying twins or multiple babies, like triplets. A high level of HCG without pregnancy is rare, but it can indicate you have outgrowths and tumours in your uterus.
What do low HCG levels mean?
Your HCG levels can also come up low in your HCG Test. While a high HCG level means that you are pregnant, low HCG levels can be indications of-
Blighted Ovum– A change in ovum characteristics and its features can be because of fluctuation in HCG levels.
Miscarriage- Low levels of HCG during pregnancy can also show that you either went through a miscarriage or have a chance of miscarriage during the early stage of pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy– When the pregnancy is not normal and develops as an ectopic one, it can show low HCG levels. Ectopic pregnancy is very rare, but it can happen when the child develops outside the uterus and not in it.
HCG test cost
The HCG test cost is different across laboratories in the country. The test cost usually falls under the bracket of 500 to 1000 rupees The sample collection for the HGC test is easy with minimal risk for the patient. It is advisable to get the test done from a reputed lab for accurate results. After getting the results, you should consult your gynecologist and get his or her opinion. The gynecologist will interpret the results and formulate the treatment plan as required.
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