Online hCG calculator: interpretation of beta-hCG analysis

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone released during pregnancy. Using a laboratory blood test, the concentration of beta subunits is determined. Conception can be detected using this method as early as 6-8 days. The hCG test also differentiates a normal pregnancy from an ectopic one. The online hCG calculator will help you decipher the blood test. You will be able to track the dynamics of hormone growth indicators and be able to determine the duration of pregnancy.

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What is hCG - “beta”?

The content of the article

HCG is a hormone that is produced by the fetus itself, or rather by the fetal membrane of the embryo (chorion). The process begins immediately when the embryo is implanted into the uterus. At this moment, the fetus still looks like a small bubble of liquid, consisting of an embryoblast (from which the fetus will form in the future) and trophoblast (cells that form the chorion).

Under the influence of gonadotropin, the corpus luteum produces hormones that maintain the condition of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) necessary for normal pregnancy. An increase in hCG concentration indicates that fertilization has taken place.

HCG contains:

• Alpha subunits. They are not determined because they have no diagnostic value during pregnancy.
• Beta subunits, which make it possible to determine the fact of conception and the period of fetal development.

That is why the term human chorionic gonadotropin in pregnancy tests refers to its beta component.

What are the functions of hCG

The main task of human chorionic gonadotropin is to maintain the functioning of the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. At the same time, under the influence of hCG, a very large amount of progesterone is produced, significantly exceeding the normal levels for a non-pregnant woman.

Progesterone is one of the most important pregnancy hormones. Thanks to progesterone, the uterus does not reject the implanted embryo. Under the influence of progesterone, the uterus stops contracting and increases in size. A decrease in progesterone can provoke miscarriage.

The corpus luteum forms at the site of a ruptured follicle after ovulation (the release of a mature egg). In a normal menstrual cycle, the corpus luteum exists for about 12-15 days, after which it resolves. Human chorionic gonadotropin prevents this from happening and the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone until the placenta matures and continues to synthesize the required amount of progesterone. Thus, this hormone is actively produced until 11-12 weeks of pregnancy.

Other functions of human chorionic gonadotropin include the influence on the mechanisms of adaptation of the female body to pregnancy. Pregnancy is stressful for the body, and in order to speed up the process of normalizing its work, there is an increased secretion of adrenal hormones - glucocorticoids. At the same time, hCG, having corticotropic properties, helps to increase steroidogenesis.

Human chorionic gonadotropin is also used to stimulate ovulation. To eliminate infertility during anovulatory cycles or during artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization protocols, hCG is used to successfully complete the development of follicles and provoke the release of the egg. An HCG injection is a mandatory part of any IVF protocol.

In Kaliningrad, IVF and other methods of assisted reproductive technologies can be performed at the IVF Center reproductive clinic. The clinic’s specialists have extensive experience in eliminating both female and male infertility.

How do hCG levels change during pregnancy?

For the first time, an increase in beta-hCG levels is detected starting from the sixth day after conception. At first, the concentration of the hormone doubles every two days. Further, the increase in hCG concentration slows down and when the level reaches 1200 mU/ml, doubling begins to occur every 72-96 hours. Upon reaching 6000 mU/ml, growth occurs every 96 hours.

The concentration indicator is not just boring numbers: it is what helps determine the gestational age.

After 11 weeks, the hormone in the body becomes less, but its level is still increased. At 34 weeks, a second increase in hCG occurs. This surge, according to scientists, triggers labor. After childbirth, the level of beta-hCG in the blood gradually decreases.

HCG: the main test for pregnant women

One of the main tests during pregnancy is the hCG test. What role does this hormone play in the body? What is the essence of the analysis? Maria Aleksandrovna Petrova, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Expert Clinic Smolensk, answered these and other questions.

– Maria Alexandrovna, what is hCG?

– HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone that is normally produced only in the body of a pregnant woman and nowhere else. In other words, it does not occur normally in non-pregnant women, men, children, and the elderly.

The hormone is produced by chorion tissue. This is one of the leaves of the future embryo. When a zygote (fertilized egg) is formed, hCG can be detected in a woman’s blood approximately on the sixth day after conception.

– What functions does this hormone perform in the human body?

– HCG is a very important hormone. It regulates the functioning of a woman’s entire body in the first trimester of pregnancy. Firstly, under the influence of hCG, the corpus luteum, which is formed in every cycle in a woman and disappears 10–12 days from the moment of its formation, in this case does not disappear anywhere, but actively functions up to 10–12 weeks. The corpus luteum, as we know, produces progesterone, which must be sufficient in a woman’s body to maintain normal growth and development of pregnancy. And until the placenta takes over the function of producing progesterone, it is performed by the corpus luteum, which cannot exist for long without hCG.

Secondly, to some extent, human chorionic gonadotropin has corticotropic properties, increasing the production of hormones (in particular, cortisol) in the adrenal cortex and promoting functional hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex in a pregnant woman.

During pregnancy, the entire body begins to live its own life: the third circle of blood circulation (placenta-fetus) is formed, the entire musculoskeletal system begins to be rebuilt. This is a significant stress for the body that a woman must cope with. And cortisol helps her with this.

Read more about the adrenal glands in our article

In addition, thanks to hCG, a woman’s immune system is physiologically weakened, which is also very important. After all, fifty percent of the unborn child is foreign material for our body. And if immunity does not decrease, then, unfortunately, miscarriages occur.

– What types of hCG tests are there? What is their essence?

– The two main tests for hCG are qualitative and quantitative. A qualitative analysis is performed to determine whether there is a pregnancy or not. And thanks to quantitative analysis, you can judge how the pregnancy is developing. Normally, hCG should increase two to three times every two to three days.

Two main tests for hCG -

it is qualitative and quantitative

– Maria Alexandrovna, when does a doctor prescribe a hCG test?

– The main indication is to find out whether there is a pregnancy in the body or not. The test may not yet show pregnancy, and the ultrasound may not yet show the fertilized egg, but hCG will definitely answer this question for us.

We also prescribe this test for menstrual irregularities and any abnormal uterine bleeding in order to exclude pregnancy. Without the presence of hCG we cannot do this.

And, of course, we prescribe hCG when we monitor the progress of pregnancy.

In addition, there are, for example, oncological diseases, such as chorionic carcinoma or hydatidiform mole, which will also be accompanied by the production of hCG. Determination of this marker is one of the tests performed in the diagnosis of these diseases.

– What does an elevated hCG mean?

– It is very difficult to say which hCG levels are elevated and which are reduced during pregnancy. Because if we look at the table of limits of normal values ​​for each stage of pregnancy, they are very wide. But if we say that the numbers are inflated in several consecutive analyses, then this may indicate, for example, a multiple pregnancy.

In addition, hCG may increase when there is a threat of miscarriage, in the presence of diabetes mellitus, or certain cancer diseases.

– What does a low hCG level indicate?

– Here it is more correct to talk not about a low level of hCG, but about a slow increase in hCG. Most often it occurs during ectopic (ectopic) pregnancy, when it is not located in the uterus, but in the tube, ovary or abdominal cavity.

More information about ectopic pregnancy can be found here

HCG will also increase more slowly during anembryony (non-developing pregnancy), when there is a fertilized egg, but there is no embryo in it.

These are the main points when hCG is low.

– How to take hCG? Is any preparation needed?

– Blood is donated for hCG strictly on an empty stomach. Preferably in the morning. The day before, as with any blood donation from a vein, it is advisable not to drink alcohol, fatty, fried, or spicy foods.

You may also be interested in our materials on other types of analyzes:

How to properly take a general blood test?

Leukocytes. What will a blood test tell you?

Platelets: friends or enemies?

What does a biochemical blood test show?

Not only a colonoscopy: what will a stool test tell you?

Diagnosis of infections using PCR: what is it?

– How accurate is the hCG blood test?

– If we are talking about a qualitative analysis for hCG, then this is the gold standard for detecting pregnancy. Nothing more accurate than hCG will tell us whether a woman is pregnant or not. If we talk about quantitative analysis, this is also a fairly objective research method that allows you to track whether the pregnancy is developing well or whether there are any difficulties.

You can make an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist here

ATTENTION: the service is not available in all cities

Interviewed by Marina Volovik

The editors recommend:

On your marks! What tests need to be taken when planning a pregnancy?

Preparing for pregnancy: necessary diagnostics

Do not count your chickens before they are hatched. What time of year should you plan to get pregnant?

For reference:

Petrova Maria Alexandrovna

Graduate of the Faculty of Medicine of the Smolensk State Medical Academy in 2011.

From 2011 to 2013 she completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology.

Currently, he is an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Expert Clinic, Smolensk.

Receives at the address: st. 8 March, no. 20

Online hCG calculator

The calculator will help you when deciphering blood tests for hCG. You will be able to monitor the growth dynamics of Beta-hCG and determine the duration of pregnancy.

The results indicated in the tables and the hCG calculator itself are approximate. To determine this hormone, various methods can be used and indicators may vary. Therefore, the analysis is deciphered where it was done. The units of measurement for the concentration of beta-hCG are also different. The concentration is indicated in honey/ml, mIU/ml, U/l and IU/l as well as U/l mIU/ml, IU/l. All indicators are the same and do not need to be recalculated. U stands for units, IU stands for international units, mIU/ml and U/l are the English display of units.

HCG and specific tumors

Such processes include complete or partial hydatidiform mole (pathology of the fetal egg) and chorionic carcinoma.

Hydatidiform mole is not a true malignant neoplasm, but can lead to disastrous consequences. That is why it is necessary to diagnose it as early as possible. The level of hCG during pregnancy (see the norm above) in a woman with a hydatidiform mole is several times higher than normal levels. If the diagnosis is not made in a timely manner and the chorion is removed, it can develop into a malignant tumor - chorionic carcinoma, and quickly metastasize to various organs.

Beta-hCG levels at different stages of pregnancy

Treatment tactics

Based on the results of the study, the doctor develops further treatment tactics.

Pregnancy support is canceled in the following cases:

• human chorionic hormone level is negative;
• the level of chorionic hormone is reduced; ultrasound examination does not detect the fertilized egg.

Further administration of synthetic hormones in such cases will negatively affect the menstrual cycle, while the woman could be preparing for the next protocol. If the indicators are normal, and a developing fertilized egg is visualized on ultrasound, pregnancy is supported, and studies are repeated regularly, according to the drawn up scheme. If the level of human chorionic gonadotropin is elevated, the woman should be further examined. An ultrasound examination, laboratory tests, and genetic consultation are prescribed. The decision to carry such a pregnancy is made strictly individually, based on the results of examinations.

Concentration of chorionic gonadotropin at later stages

Elevated hCG

With the onset of pregnancy, the level of the hormone increases rapidly day by day. However, there is a pathological increase in human chorionic gonadotropin:

• Incorrect deadline
• Preeclampsia
• Diabetes
• Development of more than two embryos in the uterus. In case of multiple pregnancy, hCG is produced by each embryo, and accordingly the concentration of the hormone will be increased.
• Individual characteristics of the body (longer pregnancy)
• Down's disease
• Synthetic gestagens. The drugs are prescribed in case of threatened miscarriage.
• Trophoblastic tumor. The development of this pathology is facilitated by the loss of the mother’s genetic material by the embryo – hydatidiform mole.

Why is a beta-hCG blood test more sensitive than a drugstore test?

Pregnancy tests are not accurate for the following reasons:

• The concentration of hCG in urine is almost two times lower than in the blood, so even the most sensitive test will give a false negative result in the early stages.
• Human chorionic gonadotropin tests sold in pharmacies are capricious and may not work correctly. Reasons: inaccurate analysis, expired reagent, improper storage of the test.
• If you drink a lot of water in the evening or take a diuretic, the test will not detect pregnancy. Tests also give false negative results for kidney diseases.

Every year there are thousands of mothers in the world who for a long time did not imagine their “interesting situation”, trusting pharmacy strips.

HCG as a marker of fetal abnormalities

Every pregnant woman at a certain stage of pregnancy must undergo a series of screening examinations, which will allow us to suspect the presence of a possible problem as early as possible. Determination of the level of human chorionic gonadotropin is included in this list.

Anomalies of fetal development in which the level of hCG increases:

Down syndrome, Patau syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Turner syndrome and severe structural disorders of the fetal neural tube.

In cases where, based on the results of screening examinations, an abnormality of fetal development was suspected, the pregnant woman is prescribed a number of additional tests and examinations. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, different techniques are used: cordocentesis, amniocentesis or fetal chorionic villus biopsy. In addition, consultation with a geneticist is required.

How is a human chorionic gonadotropin test taken?

For the analysis, blood from a vein is needed in the morning on an empty stomach. Measurement of beta-hCG concentration is performed no earlier than 3-5 days after a missed period. When taking hormones, you need to inform your doctor about this - they can affect the concentration of hCG.

To diagnose congenital pathologies (perinatal screening), an hCG test is performed at 14-18 weeks. Determination of hCG in men and non-pregnant women (analysis for tumor markers) can be carried out on any day.

Deviations

Sometimes pregnancy may not develop, but a hydatidiform mole occurs - the growth of chorionic villi in the form of bubbles with liquid contents. At the same time, human chorionic gonadotropin also increases, which can be mistaken for the presence of pregnancy. In this case, the patient must undergo ultrasonography and other studies to make an adequate diagnosis and eliminate the drift, since it can transform into a malignant tumor if treatment is not carried out in time.

HCG variability can mean different conditions when indicated:

The concentration of beta-hCG is different from the norm, what does this mean?

The online hCG calculator only works to determine pregnancy. If pregnancy is not confirmed and there are no other signs of pregnancy, you need to make an appointment with an oncologist. An increase in the hCG hormone can occur in both non-pregnant women and men. This indicates malignant tumors of the uterus (chorionepithelioma, chorionic carcinoma) or testicles. An increase in the hormone is also observed in cancer of the bladder, kidneys, intestines, and lungs.

If a high level of hCG persists after an abortion, this indicates an incomplete abortion - incomplete removal of the fertilized egg or an ongoing pregnancy. Gonadotropin levels also increase when taking hormonal medications.

HCG norms

As mentioned earlier, chorionic hormone begins to grow rapidly from the first days of pregnancy. The dynamics of its increase trace the course of pregnancy. If its level begins to drop sharply, this may indicate the development of an ectopic pregnancy, the appearance of a threat of miscarriage, placental insufficiency or missed abortion. It is especially important to monitor hCG levels over time if there is a history of miscarriages. The frequency of testing should be determined by the attending physician.

To obtain reliable data on changes in hormone levels, the study must be carried out in the same laboratory. This is due to the fact that different laboratories use different equipment and reagents to perform tests, and may also present results in different units of measurement. You can choose a laboratory yourself, based on your own experience or on the recommendation of your attending physician.

Below are the approximate norms for hCG levels by week of pregnancy (the norms established in the laboratory will be indicated on the results sheet):

• 1-2 weeks: 25-160 mIU/ml;
• 3-4 weeks: 1120-31400 mIU/ml;
• 5-6 weeks: 23200-51100 mIU/ml;
• 7-11 weeks: 20800-291100 mIU/ml;
• 11-16 weeks: 6130-103100 mIU/ml;
• 16-21 weeks: 4620-80200 mIU/ml;
• 21-39 weeks: 2800-78000 mIU/ml.

HCG table

No pregnancy 0 – 5 mIU Pregnancy in doubt 5 – 25 mIU/ml Third – fourth week 25 – 156 mIU/ml Fourth – fifth week 101 – 4870 mIU/ml Fifth – sixth week 1110 – 31500 mIU/ml Sixth seventh week 2560 – 82300 mIU/ml Seventh – eighth week 23100 – 151000 mIU/ml Eighth – ninth 27300 – 233000 mIU/ml Ninth – thirteenth week 20900 – 291000 mIU/ml Thirteenth – eighteenth 6140 – 103000 mIU/ml In seventeenth – twenty-third 4720 – 80100 mIU /ml Twenty-third – forty-first 2700 – 78100 mIU/ml

The absence of human chorionic gonadotropin can be observed during ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, the diagnosis of this pathology is difficult.