A Brief Guide to the Process of hCG Blood Testing

An hCG pregnancy test analyzes the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) present in blood or urine samples. These tests establish an individual's pregnancy status and possess the capability to evaluate whether the body is producing an appropriate quantity of specific hormones linked to pregnancy. 

Ordinarily, hCG levels gradually increase during the first trimester, peak, and then decline gradually during the second and third trimesters as pregnancy progresses. 

That’s why our medical staff at Feelvaleo might prescribe a series of hCG blood tests in Dubai spanning several days to monitor fluctuations in an individual's hCG levels. This pattern of HCG values aids doctors in assessing the progression of the pregnancy.

In this blog, we will walk you through a complete guide to the hCG test procedure – what an hCG blood test is, why, when and how to do it at home. 

What is the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Blood Test?

During pregnancy, cells in the developing placenta make hCG. The placenta, the protective sac that nourishes the fertilized egg and attaches it to the uterine wall, is responsible for this production.

The presence of hCG can initially be identified in a blood sample about 11 days after conception. hCG levels show a tendency to double every 48-72 hours. These levels peak around 8 to 11 weeks after conception. Thereafter, hCG levels gradually decreased, stabilized, and remained at a constant level for the remainder of the pregnancy. 

Why and When Do You Need an hCG test?

An hCG test is usually done if pregnancy is suspected and these tests are capable of detecting pregnancy as early as 10 days after conception. The reliability of pregnancy test results usually improves when the test is done one to two weeks after a missed period. 

Furthermore, this test may also be ordered when there are signs and symptoms that indicate the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy or that the pregnancy is not progressing as expected.

Here are some signs that an ectopic pregnancy may include: 

● Irregular vaginal bleeding

● Discomfort in the lower back

● Pain experienced in the pelvic region or lower abdomen

● Cramps localized on one side of the pelvis

Purpose of the HCG Blood Testing

Urine and blood hCG tests are used to determine the presence of pregnancy, and there are still additional tests that may be needed to confirm pregnancy. However, in the early stages of pregnancy, it’s important to measure hCG levels which can also help to estimate fetal age.

Sometimes hCG tests are conducted during these circumstances: 

● Detect or rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to an abnormal location.

● Check for pregnancy before undergoing surgery or other medical procedures.

● Screening for Down syndrome in pregnant women as part of prenatal assessment. It monitors fetuses at risk of miscarriage.

● Assists in the diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), a term for pregnancy-related tumors. 

The remarkable aspects of hCG tests are truly astonishing!

What is the Process of hCG Blood Testing?

The quantitative test gauges the hCG hormone concentration within the blood. However, if you approach our healthcare professionals at Feelvaleo we will conduct the blood sampling procedure through these steps:

Wrap an elastic band around your arm to stop bleeding and improve the visibility of veins to make it easier to insert the needle. 

1. Locate an appropriate vein and disinfect the area around it with alcohol. Then insert the needle into the vein and attach the tube to draw blood. 
2. Remove the rubber band after sufficient blood has been drawn and withdraw the needle slowly placing cotton or gauze on the puncture site. 
3. Apply pressure on the cotton or gauze,      and secure it with a bandage.

When the needle is inserted, you may feel a temporary tingling or prickling sensation, or no sensation at all. As the needle enters the vein, you may feel some discomfort or tingling. Afterward, there may be a slight stinging sensation around the puncture site.

After measuring the level of hCG in the blood sample, the results will be sent to your doctor. They can schedule an appointment to discuss the test results with you. No specific preparation is required for the hCG blood test. 

However, the other way of hCG test is qualitative which can be tested by collecting urine or blood samples. A urine test is just as accurate as a blood test. High levels of hCG indicate whether a person is pregnant or not.

Searching for an hCG Test in Dubai? Contact Feelvaleo.com

If you live in the United Arab Emirates, this is lucky for you, as it allows you to contact us at +971 4 416 4444 for inquiries about the next upcoming beta hCG test price in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. At Feelvaleo.com, we ensure to provide affordable services as well as free consultations with our doctors to each of our customers. 

For more information - you can visit our website www.feelvaleo.com