HCG Beta Subunit Test

Below are some of the reasons why taking an hCG beta subunit-serum test is important:

• Confirmation of pregnancy – With a lot of hCG urine tests available in the market, it can sometimes be unreliable. So taking an hCG blood test can give you a confirmation of your pregnancy.
• Repeated miscarriages – If you have miscarried in the past, taking an hCG beta subunit-serum test helps in identifying the health of the growing foetus and taking preventive measures to ensure a healthy pregnancy and carry the foetus to term.
• Ectopic pregnancy – Ectopic pregnancy is when the foetus implants and develops in the fallopian tubes outside the uterus. This type of pregnancy poses danger to the mother and can sometimes be fatal. So taking an hCG beta subunit-serum test can help in identifying ectopic pregnancy.
• Molar pregnancy – Molar pregnancy is when the fertilized egg grows as a mass on the uterus due to improper sperm division, abnormal placenta etc. In such cases, the level of hCG is abnormally higher than the expected range.
• The health of the foetus – Measuring the level of hCG in the blood and verifying it against the expected level can help in determining the health of the foetus. This is very important in cases of IVF, assisted reproductive technology if you have PCOD/PCOS/thyroid issues, a history of miscarriage etc.
• Down’s syndrome – Measuring the level of hCG in the blood is one of the screening tests done for Down’s syndrome.
• Gestational diabetes or hypertension – Gestational diabetes and hypertension pose danger to the health of the growing foetus. Measuring the hCG level can help in taking precautionary measures.

HCG Beta Subunit, Serum Test measures Beta hCG in serum of the patient.

Normal levels in non-pregnant women are less than 5 mIU/mL. In pregnancy, hCG level rise can be correlated with gestational weeks, especially in the first trimester.
A higher-than-expected level of the hCG hormone could mean:

• Twins or triplets
• Choriocarcinoma
• Testicular cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole

A lower-than-normal level of hCG level during pregnancy could mean:

• Death of the fetus
• A miscarriage that is not complete
• Miscarriage or abortion
• Ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy outside the uterus

No, it is a simple blood test where you may only feel a mild sting.

The hCG beta subunit-serum test is a blood test. The health professional will insert a needle in your vein and draw a little amount of blood. The collected blood is then tested in the laboratory for the hormone.

There is no special preparation required for the test. However, speak with your doctor regarding when and how the test will be done.

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test
• Beta-hCG test
• Quantitative hCG test

It is suggested that you take an hCG beta subunit-serum test if you have:

• Missed a period
• Positive hCG urine test
• Vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic cramping
• Irregular vaginal discharge
• Abnormalities detected in an ultrasound scan or other tests
• Fatigue and giddiness
• History of miscarriage
• IVF(In-Vitro Fertilization)
• Gestational diabetes and/or hypertension
• Family history of choriocarcinoma

The level of the hCG hormone increases rapidly in the first trimester and declines slowly towards the third trimester. The expected hCG levels in pregnant women throughout the pregnancy are given below:

• 3 weeks: 5 - 72 mIU/mL
• 4 weeks: 10 -708 mIU/mL
• 5 weeks: 217 - 8,245 mIU/mL
• 6 weeks: 152 - 32,177 mIU/mL
• 7 weeks: 4,059 - 153,767 mIU/mL
• 8 weeks: 31,366 - 149,094 mIU/mL
• 9 weeks: 59,109 - 135,901 mIU/mL
• 10 weeks: 44,186 - 170,409 mIU/mL
• 12 weeks: 27,107 - 201,165 mIU/mL
• 14 weeks: 24,302 - 93,646 mIU/mL
• 15 weeks: 12,540 - 69,747 mIU/mL
• 16 weeks: 8,904 - 55,332 mIU/mL
• 17 weeks: 8,240 - 51,793 mIU/mL
• 18 weeks: 9,649 - 55,271 mIU/mL

However, the levels may vary depending on the laboratory, your body type and the health of your pregnancy.