Need early and reliable confirmation of pregnancy? This blood test measures human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone produced during pregnancy, providing accurate results even before a missed period. Unlike urine tests, a blood test can detect lower levels of hCG, making it ideal for early detection and monitoring pregnancy progression.
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What's in the test?
Hormones
Beta-hCG
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HCG is a pregnancy hormone produced by the placenta when a fertilised egg implants in the uterine wall. The hormone hCG starts to be produced around six days after fertilisation and can usually be detected 10 days after a missed menstrual period.
How to prepare for your test
Prepare for your Pregnancy Blood Test by following these instructions. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.
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FAQs
What can I learn from a Pregnancy Blood Test?
Our at-home hCG level blood test can give you early confirmation of your pregnancy. You can also use it to check whether your hCG level is increasing as expected during the first stage of your pregnancy.
Higher-than-expected hCG levels are sometimes due to multiple pregnancies (twins or more). However, this would need to be confirmed by an ultrasound. Your GP or midwifery team will be able to support you if you have any concerns.
It’s reassuring to know that unusually low or high hCG levels are usually the result of miscalculating the stage of your pregnancy. This can occur if you have irregular periods or aren’t sure when your last period was. In rare cases, hCG levels that are higher or lower than expected can indicate pregnancy complications.
When should I take a Pregnancy Blood Test?
You should take our Pregnancy Blood Test about six to eight days after you ovulate to find out if you’re pregnant. If you get a negative result but still think you might be pregnant, we recommend repeating the test.
What is a Pregnancy Blood Test?
Our Pregnancy Blood Test detects pregnancy by measuring the amount of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in your blood. Levels of this hormone rise rapidly in the early days of pregnancy, usually doubling every two to three days, and peaking by the 11th week. Our test can pick up traces of hCG, allowing you to confirm pregnancy as early as possible, even before a missed period.
How soon can a blood test detect pregnancy?
As hCG levels rise rapidly in the early days of pregnancy, an hCG test can tell you if you're pregnant from about six to eight days after you’ve ovulated.
Is an hCG blood test more accurate than a urine test for pregnancy?
An hCG blood test is more accurate than an at-home urine hCG test, as the concentration of hCG in blood is higher than in urine. A blood test is also more sensitive than a urine test, so it can detect hCG at lower levels, giving you earlier confirmation of your pregnancy.
What causes low hCG levels?
Low hCG levels can sometimes indicate a problem such as an ectopic pregnancy, but they aren’t always a sign that something is wrong. There are various causes of low hCG levels, and it may simply mean that you’re not as far along in your pregnancy as you expected.
What causes higher-than-normal hCG levels?
There are several reasons why your hCG level may be higher than expected. It may be a sign that you’re having a multiple pregnancy, which is more common after IVF. It can also indicate that you miscalculated the date of your last period and you’re further along with your pregnancy than you thought.
Can I take an hCG test at home?
Yes, you can take our Pregnancy Blood Test at home with our finger-prick pregnancy test kit. We’ll send you everything you need, including a pre-paid return envelope for your sample.
How can I access my Pregnancy Blood Test results?
You can access the results of your at-home Pregnancy Blood Test on your MyMedichecks dashboard, alongside doctor’s advice and any next steps. You will see your hCG level alongside expected hCG levels throughout early pregnancy, so you can check if your result is in the normal range.
What are the early symptoms of pregnancy?
Many of the early symptoms of pregnancy are due to the surge in hCG, and confusingly, they’re very similar to symptoms you might have right before your period. They include breast tenderness, feeling tired and sluggish, needing to urinate more often, irritability, and feeling sick.
As most of these symptoms aren’t unique to pregnancy, a Pregnancy Blood Test can help you find out if they’re down to pregnancy or to rule this out as the cause.
Where can I get support for pregnancy?
Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it’s also common to feel anxious and overwhelmed. If you need support or reassurance, your doctor and midwifery team can help.
Bounty has a wealth of resources for mums-to-be and Tommy’s has a support line giving midwives’ advice. And our Pregnancy Progress Blood Test can help you check how your pregnancy is progressing in the early stages.
If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, our Fertility Guide has information and advice on the causes of infertility, increasing your chances of getting pregnant, and treatments that can help you conceive.