WILL GP DO AN HCG BLOOD TEST?

If you think you might be pregnant or are tracking fertility treatment, you may have heard about hCG blood testing. The hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) hormone is produced by the placenta shortly after conception and is a key indicator of pregnancy.

While most people confirm pregnancy with a urine test, an hCG blood test can detect pregnancy earlier and measure the precise level of the hormone in your bloodstream. But will your GP arrange this test, and what are your options if not?

A hCG blood test from One Day Tests offers a fast, accurate way to measure pregnancy hormones, with results available within 24 to 48 hours and no GP referral required.

The hCG blood test measures the concentration of human chorionic gonadotrophin, a hormone produced by the developing placenta once a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine wall. Levels rise rapidly in the early weeks of pregnancy, doubling approximately every 48 to 72 hours in a healthy pregnancy.

There are two main types of hCG blood test:

• Qualitative hCG test – confirms whether hCG is present, indicating pregnancy.

• Quantitative hCG test (Beta hCG) – measures the exact level of hCG in the blood, which helps track early pregnancy progress or detect complications.
  

Your GP can arrange an hCG blood test in specific circumstances, but it is not routinely offered to confirm pregnancy. Most GP surgeries will first recommend a urine pregnancy test, as it is quick, accurate, and free of charge through the NHS.

If the result is positive, your GP will refer you for antenatal care rather than performing a blood test. However, there are certain situations where your GP may order an hCG blood test:

• If you have symptoms such as abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding early in pregnancy.
  
  

• If you have had a previous ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
  
  

• If you are undergoing fertility treatment and need hormone monitoring.
  
  

The HSE (Ireland’s Health Service Executive) and NHS both confirm that GPs usually rely on urine pregnancy testing, reserving blood tests for cases where hormone levels need to be monitored more closely.

If you simply want early confirmation of pregnancy or reassurance that your hCG levels are increasing normally, your GP may not provide this test unless there is a clear medical reason. NHS guidance states that home pregnancy tests are accurate when used correctly, with positive results being almost always reliable.

Because of this, many people choose private testing to receive results faster and with more detail about their hormone levels.

Private hCG testing offers more flexibility and faster turnaround times than standard GP services. Providers such as One Day Tests and Ultrasound Direct offer both home and clinic-based testing, allowing you to confirm pregnancy earlier than most home tests can detect.

Key advantages of private hCG blood testing:

• No GP referral required
  
  

• Early and accurate detection of pregnancy
  
  

• Option to measure hCG levels over time for reassurance
  
  

• Fast laboratory turnaround (results in 24 to 48 hours)
  
  

• Convenient home collection or local clinic appointments
  
  

Your sample is analysed in an accredited UK laboratory and reviewed for accuracy before results are released.

Measuring hCG levels can help detect pregnancy earlier and provide insight into how it is progressing. Normal hCG patterns can vary, but typically levels double every two to three days during the first 12 weeks.

An hCG blood test can be useful for:

• Confirming early pregnancy before a missed period
  
  

• Tracking changes in hCG levels over time
  
  

• Monitoring fertility treatment
  
  

• Helping diagnose potential issues such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
  
  

Persistently low or declining hCG levels may indicate a non-viable pregnancy, while very high levels could suggest multiple pregnancies or a hormone-related condition.

An hCG blood test is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. For at-home testing, a finger-prick sample may be collected and posted to the lab for analysis.

Before your appointment:

• Stay hydrated to make the blood draw easier.
  
  

• Wear loose clothing for comfort.
  
  

• Inform the clinician if you are taking blood-thinning medication or undergoing fertility treatment.
  
  

Results are typically ready within one to two working days for private providers. NHS results may take longer depending on local laboratory processing times.

A positive hCG result confirms pregnancy. Quantitative results will show your exact hCG concentration, which can be compared against reference ranges for your stage of pregnancy.

• Low or slowly rising hCG: may indicate early miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
  
  

• Rapidly rising hCG: may indicate a healthy pregnancy or, in some cases, twins or triplets.
  
  

• Falling hCG: typically suggests pregnancy loss or treatment response after miscarriage.
  
  

If your results are abnormal, your GP or fertility specialist may recommend a repeat test after 48 to 72 hours to track changes.

You should see your GP or contact a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Abdominal or pelvic pain in early pregnancy
  
  

• Unexplained bleeding or spotting
  
  

• Severe nausea or vomiting
  
  

• Faintness or dizziness
  
  

These may indicate complications such as ectopic pregnancy or hyperemesis gravidarum, both of which require medical assessment.

Even if you use a private test for early detection, it’s important to register your pregnancy with the NHS or relevant health service once confirmed.