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HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal

Also known as Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Maternal), HCG Maternal Marker (Pregnancy)

₹699

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal

What is 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.

What is HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal used for?

An HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test is done:

To confirm a pregnancy.
To diagnose pregnancy in a location other than usual, i.e., ectopic pregnancy.
To diagnose the presence of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).
To diagnose any suspected tumors, like teratomas, testicular tumors, and ovarian germ cell tumors.
For screening of genetic diseases, like Down syndrome and Trisomy 18.

What does HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal measure?

An HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test measures the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in the blood. hCG is released in the blood during pregnancy and can be detected as early as 10 days after conception. The levels of this hormone gradually rise every 2 to 3 days (or 48 to 72 hours) and peak around 8 to 11 weeks after conception. After reaching the peak, the hCG levels decrease and remain steady for the rest of the pregnancy.

Interpreting HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal results

Interpretations

Low beta hCG levels are seen in the following conditions:

Error in calculation of pregnancy date
Miscarriage
The blighted ovum (Pregnancy without embryo)
Ectopic pregnancy (Pregnancy other than the normal location or outside of the uterus)

High beta hCG levels are seen in the following conditions:

Error in calculation of pregnancy date
Molar pregnancy (an abnormal pregnancy where the baby does not develop)
More than one pregnancy (Twins or Triplets)

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal

Frequently Asked Questions about HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal

Q. What is the purpose of an HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test?

An HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test examines the amount of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which can be detected as early as 10 to 12 days after conception. This test is also used to diagnose abnormal disorders that might cause an increase in beta hCG levels.

Q. How is an HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test performed?

Your doctor will clean the skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe and take out a blood sample from your veins using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the lab for analysis.

Q. Is there any risk associated with an HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Some people may also experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times daily for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q. What does the positive result of an HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test in females mean?

The positive result of an HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test in females usually indicates pregnancy.

Q. Are hCG beta levels positive in ectopic pregnancy as well?

Yes, hCG beta levels are positive in ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy at other than its usual location), but the levels increase slowly compared to normal pregnancy.

Q. Can hCG beta levels be found positive in men also?

Yes, hCG beta levels can be found positive in men in case of testicular cancer.

Q. Is an HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test only used for pregnancy?

No, this test is not used just for pregnancy. The hCG hormone is also considered to be a tumor marker as it is secreted by some tumors, e.g., cancer of the uterus, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. An HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test is also used to detect some non-cancerous conditions that show increased levels of B-hCG, such as cirrhosis and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Q. What if my beta hCG test report shows negative results?

A negative beta hCG test result indicates you are most likely not pregnant. However, it's crucial to remember that tests taken too soon can result in a false-negative result due to low hCG levels. Therefore, the test might be repeated in a week if there is a chance of pregnancy.

Q. What does the false-negative result of an HCG Beta Total Quantitative, Maternal test mean?

False-negative results indicate that the result gives a negative report even when actually, the patient may be pregnant. The test may be negative in early days after conception. Levels of hCG can vary widely between women with normal pregnancies, so an Ultrasound may be advised in such cases.

Q. Should hCG beta levels be checked routinely?

An HCG beta test is not done routinely. It is advised in case of suspected ectopic pregnancy or abortion with symptoms of bleeding, severe cramps, or if the patient has any history of miscarriage.

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