A blood test measures level of HCG present in your blood. This is a hormone that is produced in the human body during pregnancy. Doctors may give different names to this test but all of them operate on the same principle. Though there is considerable difference between HCG urine and a HCG blood test and in the latter it can be purchased over the counter. For a urine test an influence would what time of the day you are planning the test along with your dehydration levels. HCG blood tests can derive excellent results even if HCG count is on the lower side.

Role of HCG during stage of pregnancy?

Once pregnant, cells in evolving placenta form HCG. This is basically a sac that nourishes an egg and once fertilized it attaches itself to the uterine wall. After 11 days of conception in a blood sample HCG can be detected. The levels of HCG are known to double in every 48 to 72 hours. After 8 weeks of conception they reach their peak. They maintain their levels on and off during pregnancy maintaining a steady balance during the period of pregnancy. A second beta test sometimes may throw more light on the same.

What are the reasons why a HCG test is performed?

The main utility of a HCG test is to confirm the status of pregnancy and what is the time frame you are into pregnancy. At the same time a potential for miscarriage is also analysed in details. You are screened for pregnancy before you plan for medical tests causing a lot of harm to a developing baby. An ideal example in this regard is an x ray. Once a HCG test outlines a pregnancy, a doctor can confer the fact they are protected and nothing can occur to a developing baby.

Would you consider results of a HCG test to be always accurate?

In no way it can be blindly stated that the results of HCG are accurate. What is a positive beta HCG test as positive and negative results can emerge during the test. The doctor would confer the results and then follow up in case of any abnormality. Certain medications could interfere with the test results. In smoking marijuana it can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. By presence of cell tumours results can also be influenced. These are type of cells that are found in reproductive organs of human beings. If a higher level of HCG is found out then a doctor needs to undertake a series of other tests to confirm status of cancer.

A false negative result might emerge which shows that you are not pregnant. This could even happen if the result was conducted early and the body did not have enough time to produce HCG. The same case can happen with HCG positive levels.

To confirm status of pregnancy you are likely to receive an ultrasound that is more accurate than HCG numbers. If a problem exists doctors would check out HCG levels.