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.

The beta hCG test is a quantitative blood test that measures the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood, specifically the beta subunit. It is used to confirm pregnancy, monitor pregnancy progress, and diagnose certain medical conditions.

The beta hCG test detects the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood, which can confirm pregnancy as early as 10 days after conception. It helps monitor pregnancy progression and diagnose conditions like ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, and tumours.

The beta hCG test report indicates the level of hCG in the blood, which can confirm pregnancy, monitor its progression, diagnose abnormal pregnancies (e.g., ectopic, molar), detect and monitor tumours and cancers (e.g., GTD, germ cell tumours), and screen for Down syndrome.

A positive result generally confirms pregnancy. However, hCG levels alone do not determine the viability or potential complications of the pregnancy. Trends in hCG levels over time and ultrasound findings are the better predictors of pregnancy outcomes.

While highly sensitive, the beta hCG test is not infallible. False positives can occur due to factors like certain medications or medical conditions, while false negatives, although less common, can happen if the test is taken too early or if gestational age is miscalculated.

HCG levels are typically tested around 11–14 days after conception or shortly after a missed period. For assisted reproductive technologies (e.g., IVF), the test is usually done about 2 weeks post-procedure.

An hCG test can detect pregnancy as early as 10 days after conception, but it is most accurate when performed around 11–14 days post-conception.

The beta hCG blood test is highly accurate, especially compared to urine tests. It can detect even low hCG levels and provide precise measurements, making it a reliable tool for confirming and monitoring pregnancy

The benefits of the beta hCG test include early pregnancy confirmation, monitoring pregnancy progression, detecting abnormal pregnancies, screening for Down syndrome, and diagnosing and monitoring certain tumours and cancers.

The risks associated with the beta hCG test are minimal and primarily related to the blood draw process, such as excessive bleeding, fainting, hematoma formation, and a slight risk of infection.

The beta hCG test can help diagnose conditions like ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, possible miscarriages, gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), germ cell tumours, ovarian and testicular cancers, choriocarcinoma, and hydatidiform mole.

Certain medications can potentially affect hCG levels, although this is rare. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking before undergoing the test.

No special preparation, such as fasting, is necessary for the beta hCG test. However, it is always recommended to consult your doctor for any specific pretest instructions.

Factors that can affect beta hCG test results include dehydration (less likely to impact blood tests compared to urine tests), certain medications, incorrect timing of the test, and miscalculation of gestational age.

The beta hCG test reports are typically available after 6 hours, depending on the lab's processing time.