Upon conception (when the sperm fertilizes the egg), the developing placenta starts generating a hormone called Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), often referred to as pregnancy hormone. If you are pregnant, hCG can be found in your urine and in your blood. Your blood may contain lower levels of hCG approximately 6 to 10 days after fertilization and this simple blood test can be used to confirm pregnancy at the earliest possible date.
Indicative guidance ranges
An initial HCG value of 10 – 25 u/L is inconclusive of pregnancy and should be repeated after 24 hours.
An initial HCG value greater than 25 u/L indicates pregnancy.
Who may benefit from this test
If you suspect you may be pregnant or are undergoing fertility treatment and have been asked to test after a certain period of time.