HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal

An HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test measures the level of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) that is produced during pregnancy and can be detected as early as 10 to 12 days after conceiving. This test is also done to diagnose other abnormal conditions unrelated to pregnancy that can raise hCG levels.

The placenta produces the hCG hormone during pregnancy, making its presence in the blood a valuable indicator of pregnancy. This hormone is used to determine the age of the fetus and detect any abnormalities like ectopic pregnancies (when a fertilized egg attaches to an abnormal area), molar pregnancies, and possible miscarriages. It can also be used as a part of maternal screening for detecting a risk of Down's syndrome in an unborn child.

You may be advised to do an HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test if some signs and symptoms suggest pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy, or a pregnancy that is not progressing healthily. The signs of an ectopic pregnancy may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, low back pain, pain in the lower region of the stomach or pelvic area, cramping on one side of the pelvis, etc. This test is also used as a diagnostic tool to check for pregnancy before surgery or other medical treatments and help diagnose gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), a term used for pregnancy-related tumors. 

Usually, no special preparation is needed for this test; eat or drink as per your daily routine. However, talk to your doctor about all the pre-test instructions. 

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition and formulate your overall treatment plan.