question-icon

What Do Low HCG Levels Despite Taking HCG Injection Suggest?

default
Posted on Fri, 11 Sep 2015
Question: Hello Doctor,
my wife had a 3 embryo FET(3 day old) on 10th Aug. she is taking medicines like ecosprin, ecoflora. she is getting HCG and Gestofit injections twice in a week..she has taken the injections 4 times in 11 days post FET.Today is 10 days past FET(3 day old 3 Embryos)
She took a HCG and Gestofit today and out of curiosity, she took a Home Pregnancy test(6Hours past taking the injections) and it is negative. Heard that HPT kits measure HCG and gives the result. How can she have no HCG detected even after taking the HCG shots? We are confused. Is it possible that the HPT kit we used was no good? It is in our refrigarator for about 2 months. Please advice
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The test has been done early.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,

I understand your query and concern.

Normally pregnancy test Post FET should be done from 15 - 22 nd day post embryo transfer.

Urine tests are not as accurate as blood tests in predicting the outcome of pregnancy after embryo transfer.Also, she has done the test too early.

My best advice is to continue all the medications and wait for blood test appointment.

Once she attains 15 th day post embryo transfer, periodic blood HCG test is needed to assess the progress of the pregnancy.

So don't be anxious.

Post your further queries if any,

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (15 hours later)
Hello Doctor...Thank you for clearing that up and prompt reply.
My Basic question was:
If she is taking HCG 5000 injections, is it possible to get a negative on Home pregnancy test? I see that HPT tests checks for HCG levels and give the results.
Is it possible that her urine may not have any HCG even if she is taking HCG shots?
Or do you think that the HPT kit is defective
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Relevant data provided.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,

I understand your query and concern.

Normally after HCG shot ,hcg remains in the body for at least 5days with 5000 IU.(approximate ly 1day for each 1000 IU of hcg shot)

UPT results can be both false positive or false negative.

The drug metabolism of injectable hcg is quite different from natural hcg.

Negative pregnancy test can be due to various reasons(Urine passes very little traces of hcg when given through injections which or urine could be diluted).

Even the kit you have used could be malfunctioning as kit should be stored at room temperature.

So use a new kit from next time.

But taking a home test in first 2 weeks is of no use as the results are neither confirmative nor predictive of the outcome and the progress of pregnancy.

So I advise you not to be anxious and just wait till 15 th day and get a Serum beta HCG testing even though its difficult to wait for you.

Post your further queries off any,

Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Suresh Heijebu

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 3646 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Do Low HCG Levels Despite Taking HCG Injection Suggest?

Brief Answer: The test has been done early. Detailed Answer: Hi Sir, I understand your query and concern. Normally pregnancy test Post FET should be done from 15 - 22 nd day post embryo transfer. Urine tests are not as accurate as blood tests in predicting the outcome of pregnancy after embryo transfer.Also, she has done the test too early. My best advice is to continue all the medications and wait for blood test appointment. Once she attains 15 th day post embryo transfer, periodic blood HCG test is needed to assess the progress of the pregnancy. So don't be anxious. Post your further queries if any, Thank you.