# Beta-hCG

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<summary>What's the difference between a blood and urine pregnancy test?</summary>

Standard urine pregnancy tests detect pregnancy at a threshold of 20 to 50mIU/ml B-HCG.  Urine concentrations are much lower than blood concentrations, so blood testing is useful to detect a pregnancy earlier than urine testing.  Most blood tests detect B-HCG at a threshold of 1-2 mIU/ml and report a negative result at < 5 mIU/ml. &#x20;

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<summary>Do I need a blood test to confirm pregnancy? </summary>

Urine tests are adequate to diagnose pregnancy and are what all family doctors' offices use to confirm a diagnosis of pregnancy in their office.  Blood tests are not required.

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<summary>Do I need a blood pregnancy test to confirm how far I am along in pregnancy?</summary>

Blood pregnancy tests are only useful in the 1st 1-3 weeks of pregnancy.  A more reliable indicator of the age of the baby is the 1st day of your last menstrual cycle.  In fact, doctors can reliably estimate the age of a baby, more accurately than ultrasound, based on the 1st of your last menstrual cycle.&#x20;

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<summary>Can I use a blood pregnancy test to tell how old my baby is?</summary>

As a general rule of thumb, B-HCG doubles every 48 hours in the first 30 days after a viable embryo has implanted into the uterus. Measurement of B-HCG is **NOT** a useful measurement of gestation age (i.e. how many weeks old the baby is, or ‘how far along you are’) outside of the first 1-3 weeks of age. B-HCG hormones peak between 8-10 weeks, then decline as part of a normal pregnancy.&#x20;

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<summary>Why does TeleTest offer serum (blood) pregnancy testing?</summary>

* Access to Abortion - For many women who have an unplanned pregnancy, who are seeking a pregnancy termination (abortion), a blood pregnancy test can confirm the diagnosis objectively which is a requirement for many abortion programs.  If you require counseling before having an abortion, please arrange an appointment with one of our physicians or speak to a local health care provider before ordering a blood pregnancy test.  TeleTest does not currently offer abortion medication.  It’s something many of our patients have requested and an area we are exploring.  A copy of the laboratory measurement of B-HCG is sufficient proof of pregnancy for your local abortion program, and a doctor’s letter is not required as ‘proof’. &#x20;
* Confirmation of a viable pregnancy - When an HCG level is repeated in 48 hours, if it shows a doubling (in the 1st 30 days after conception), it helps to establish a viable pregnancy.  This ‘serial test’ is not routinely recommended for women in pregnancy.  &#x20;
* Comfort - many women might purchase 3 or 4 pregnancy tests from a pharmacy to confirm a diagnosis of a new pregnancy.  Ordering a blood test can provide confidence and confirm pregnancy without having to visit a doctor’s office, as many women do.&#x20;

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<summary>What are the signs of pregnancy?</summary>

* Having a late period&#x20;
* Nausea and/or vomiting
* Feeling tired
* Food cravings and food aversions
* Breast Tenderness

*Having one of these symptoms does not mean you should order a pregnancy test unless you suspect you are pregnant, as there are many other medical conditions that can produce similar symptoms.*

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<summary><strong>What is the earliest stage an ultrasound can help confirm pregnancy?</strong></summary>

* 4.5-5 weeks - gestational sack
* 5-6 weeks - yolk sack
* 5.5-6 weeks - cardiac activity&#x20;

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<summary>When should I not use TeleTest for pregnancy testing?</summary>

* You have abdominal pain, fevers, or vaginal bleeding.
* You are concerned about having an ectopic pregnancy.
* You are concerned about a miscarriage.&#x20;

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<summary>If I had unprotected sex and am interested in testing for pregnancy, how long do I have to wait before getting tested?</summary>

We suggest testing for pregnancy by bloodwork as early as when your next period comes due.  If you have a negative pregnancy test, and suspect pregnancy we suggest a repeat test 7 days after your prior test.&#x20;

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<summary>My pregnancy hormone is greater than 5mIU/ml.  Does this mean I’m pregnant?</summary>

Yes, a pregnancy hormone level above 5 mIU/ml is considered a positive test.  If you have questions about pregnancy, please arrange an appointment by emailing us at <info@teletest.ca>

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<summary><strong>Can I have a false negative test?</strong></summary>

The most common reason for a false negative test is testing too early.  If you have a negative blood pregnancy test and suspect pregnancy, we suggest a repeat test 7 days after your prior test.

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<summary>Can I have a false negative urine pregnancy test?</summary>

Yes - rarely, a urine test can be a false negative result while a blood test would accurately show a positive result.  There is based on a process called the ‘variant hook effect’ and can occur between 7-12 weeks, with some studies estimating a false negative rate of 0.34%.  In this scenario, a woman is pregnant but tests negative on urine testing, while a blood test would confirm pregnancy.&#x20;

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<summary>What should I do if I have a positive pregnancy test?</summary>

If you have a positive urine result and are interested in continuing the pregnancy, we suggest reaching out to a primary care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner, midwife, etc) to discuss the next steps. &#x20;

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## General Questions

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<summary>Can I get an hCG test through TeleTest?</summary>

We don’t offer hCG testing yet but are adding new panels regularly. Meanwhile, you can visit a walk-in clinic for this.

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<summary>Can I get a blood test for pregnancy if I’m experiencing a delayed period?</summary>

We don’t offer hCG testing yet but check back soon as we update our panels. You can get this test done at a walk-in clinic.

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