The beta hCG test is the blood pregnancy test performed after an IVF embryo transfer. The results of this test are predictive of the chances of success for a baby. In this article, we’ll review what the data says about various beta levels.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the first hormonal message from the placenta to the mother. It is called the pregnancy hormone because it is only present during pregnancy and can be detected by at-home pregnancy tests. Beta hCG (aka β-hCG) is a quantitative serum test (done by your fertility clinic) to determine the level of hCG hormone present in your blood. Serum β-HCG is proportional to the number and activity of the trophoblastic cells, and research shows that a higher serum β-HCG level is associated with pregnancy outcomes and IVF success.
What is a normal hCG level after IVF?
There is no single hCG level or cut-off that defines a normal pregnancy. The beta hCG will vary based on the type of embryo you transferred (was it fresh? Frozen?) and when the test is performed. In general, a beta hCG level of over 100 is generally considered a good, positive result. But what’s more important than the absolute beta number is the rate of increase over time (it should double every 48 hours). The higher the percentage of rise in hCG drawn two days following the initial beta, the better the chances for success.
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