Beta hCG blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a hormone made by the placenta in pregnancy, and it is the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. The beta subunit gives the test its specificity. A blood test can measure beta hCG at lower levels and more precisely than a urine pregnancy test.

Outside pregnancy, beta hCG is very low. Specialists use it as a tumour-associated marker, mainly when monitoring certain testicular conditions and gestational trophoblastic disease, a rare pregnancy-related condition. Raised levels can also occur for other reasons, including pregnancy, recent miscarriage, some medicines used in fertility treatment and, in people after the menopause, small amounts from the pituitary gland. Beta hCG cannot diagnose, rule out or screen for cancer.

The price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You would like a quantitative pregnancy hormone level to share with your GP or midwife.
• You are being followed up after a pregnancy loss and your doctor has asked for a level.
• Your specialist uses beta hCG to monitor a known condition.
• You have had fertility treatment and want a level measured, alongside the advice of your fertility clinic.
• Your practitioner has suggested it as part of a wider assessment.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your beta hCG level with the laboratory reference range. In early pregnancy levels rise quickly, and doctors often compare two samples taken 48 hours apart rather than relying on one number. A raised level outside pregnancy is a reason for prompt follow-up with your GP, who will consider all possible explanations.

A single result is never interpreted alone. A value within the range does not rule out any condition, and a value outside the range is a prompt for discussion with a doctor, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

You do not have to skip meals before this test. Please tell us the date of your last period, whether you could be pregnant, and about any fertility medicines or recent pregnancy. Stop biotin supplements for at least 48 hours beforehand, as biotin can affect some hormone tests. If you have pain in your tummy, shoulder-tip pain or bleeding in early pregnancy, contact your GP, NHS 111 or an early pregnancy unit urgently.

Beta hCG is one of the markers included in Omnia Signature, our most comprehensive panel. For other hormone questions, our fertility tests may help. See every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a beta hCG blood test in Chiswick?

The Beta hCG test costs £79. This includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Is a blood hCG test more accurate than a home pregnancy test?

A blood test measures the actual level of hCG and can detect lower amounts. A positive home test is usually reliable, and your GP or midwife will advise on next steps.

Can beta hCG detect cancer?

No. It is a tumour-associated marker used by specialists to monitor some conditions. A raised level has several possible causes and is always read with a clinical assessment.

Why might my doctor ask for two tests?

In early pregnancy, the change between two samples taken a couple of days apart says more than a single level.