When is the β-hCG test performed And how do you read the results

In the world of medical diagnostics, the β-hCG test is one of the most essential tools used to confirm and monitor pregnancy. Beyond that, it also plays a key role in diagnosing complex medical conditions such as ectopic pregnancy or certain types of cancer. Interestingly, this test is not limited to women—it may also be requested for men in specific cases.In this comprehensive guide from Dalili Medical, we explain everything you need to know about the β-hCG test: what it is, when it's recommended, how it's performed, and how to interpret the results accurately.

✅ What Is the β-hCG Test?

The β-hCG test is used to measure the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood or urine—specifically the beta subunit, which is more specific and accurate than the alpha subunit.

This hormone starts to appear in the body after the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine lining and is secreted by the placenta in the early stages of pregnancy.

When Is the β-hCG Test Ordered?

1. Early Pregnancy Detection

The β-hCG test is one of the most sensitive ways to confirm pregnancy, even before common symptoms or a missed period appear.

2. Monitoring Pregnancy Progression

Doctors monitor β-hCG levels every 48–72 hours during early pregnancy to ensure they are doubling properly, indicating a healthy pregnancy.

3. Detecting Ectopic Pregnancy

If levels do not rise normally—or remain stable or decline—it could indicate an ectopic pregnancy or issues with the fertilized egg.

4. After Miscarriage or Delivery

The test may be used to ensure that hCG levels have returned to baseline, confirming that no pregnancy tissue remains.

5. Cancer Diagnosis

β-hCG levels can also rise in some types of cancer, such as:

Hydatidiform mole (molar pregnancy)
Testicular cancer
Ovarian cancer
Certain gastrointestinal or lung tumors

How Is the β-hCG Test Performed?

There are two types of tests:

Quantitative blood test: Measures the exact level of hCG in the blood.
Qualitative urine test: Detects whether hCG is present or not—similar to a home pregnancy test.

No fasting is required. The test can be done at any time of day, but morning samples are usually more accurate, especially for urine tests.

Normal β-hCG Levels During Pregnancy

Levels vary depending on gestational age and may differ slightly by lab. Here's a general guideline:

Gestational Age	Expected Range (mIU/mL)
Not pregnant	< 5
3 weeks	5 – 50
4 weeks	10 – 750
5 weeks	200 – 7,100
6 weeks	1,000 – 56,000
7–8 weeks	7,650 – 229,000
9–12 weeks	25,700 – 288,000

After this, levels begin to gradually decline until the end of pregnancy.

⚠️ What Do β-hCG Results Mean?

???? High Levels of β-hCG May Indicate:

A normal early pregnancy
Twin or multiple pregnancy (levels are often higher)
Molar pregnancy or placental abnormalities
Certain cancers (e.g., testicular or ovarian cancer)

Low Levels of β-hCG May Suggest:

A nonviable or ectopic pregnancy
Impending or completed miscarriage
Incorrect estimation of gestational age

Use of the β-hCG Test in Men

Surprisingly, β-hCG testing can also be used for men, especially when:

Testicular cancer is suspected
Monitoring response to chemotherapy

Elevated hCG in men is abnormal and should prompt further investigation.

Additional Tests Often Ordered with β-hCG

Test	Purpose
Progesterone	To assess early pregnancy stability
Transvaginal ultrasound	To confirm fetal location and viability
AFP, CEA, CA-125	For cancer screening in suspicious cases
CBC, liver/kidney tests	To evaluate general health

Tips Before Taking the β-hCG Test

No need to fast.
Avoid excessive physical or emotional stress beforehand.
Inform your doctor if you're taking fertility medications or hCG injections.
It’s best to repeat the test after 48 hours to track trends in hCG levels.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When can a blood test detect pregnancy?
Typically, 6–8 days after ovulation, and it’s more accurate than a urine test.

Does a high hCG level always mean twins?
Not necessarily. It’s a possible sign, but ultrasound is the definitive method.

Can hCG be detected if there’s no pregnancy?
Rarely, yes—due to fertility treatments or certain tumors that produce hCG.

✅ Summary

The β-hCG test is a vital tool in detecting and monitoring pregnancy, especially in the early stages. It also plays a critical role in diagnosing certain cancers and immune-related disorders in both women and men.

Whether the level is high or low, hCG serves as a key biomarker that deserves medical attention—especially when accompanied by clinical symptoms.