Beta HCG Test

The Total Beta HCG Test combines a blood test and a urine test to confirm pregnancy. The blood test is more accurate since urine tests can be affected by factors like dehydration and the time of the day when you take the test.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or HCG, is a hormone that the placenta produces during pregnancy. The placenta provides nutrition to the fetus. HCG is first detected in the blood sample of women about 11 days after conception occurs. After that, the HCG levels continue to double in amount every 48-72 hours. The HCG level highest peaks around 8-11 weeks post conception.

The Total Beta HCG Test is performed in pregnant females too -

• Confirm pregnancy
• Ascertain the approximate age of the foetus
• Diagnose an abnormal pregnancy like ectopic pregnancy where the foetus grows outside the uterus
• Diagnose a potential miscarriage due to low levels of HCG
• Screen for Down syndrome, Trisomy 18
• Diagnose gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) - a type of pregnancy-related tumour

The Total Beta HCG Test is also performed in males and non-pregnant females too -

• Detect cancers like ovarian cancer, teratoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and testicular cancer.
• Detect noncancerous medical conditions like cirrhosis, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Studies show that estimating the Total Beta HCG Test values in the early second trimester of pregnancy can be a valuable indicator for gestational hypertension in the same pregnancy. Gestational hypertension is when your blood pressure rises during pregnancy. Therefore, the Total Beta HCG Test can be a powerful tool in predicting the risk of developing gestational hypertension.

Normal Pregnancy, Ectopic Pregnancy, Screening of Down’s Syndrome, Trisomy 18, Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD), Testicular Tumour, Teratomas, Ovarian Germ Cell Tumours

The Total Beta HCG Test measures the levels of beta HCG in the blood sample. Pregnant women start producing a hormone called HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin 11 days after conception. The placenta is responsible for producing this hormone. This hormone is a confirmatory test for detecting pregnancy.

In adult males and non-pregnant females, the presence of beta HCG indicates ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, testicular cancer, liver cirrhosis and ulcers. The Total Beta HCG Test measures HCG in two ways -

• Qualitative - A qualitative test detects the presence or absence of HCG in the sample. It can give Total Beta HCG Test reports in the form of positive or negative results. This type of testing is done to confirm pregnancy.
• Quantitative - A quantitative test measures the actual amount of HCG in the sample. The Total Beta HCG Test reports are available in the form of HCG values. This type of testing is done to confirm pregnancy, check if HCG levels are adequate for a normal pregnancy, diagnose abnormal pregnancies and detect cancers and other conditions not related to pregnancy.

The Total Beta HCG Test is prescribed for -

• Women who are trying to conceive have missed their period.
• Women who are at high risk of miscarriages.
• Women who have a history of miscarriages.
• Women who have a history of ectopic pregnancy.

The Total Beta HCG Test is also prescribed for women who show signs of an ectopic pregnancy. These signs include -

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Lower back pain
• Pain in the pelvic area
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Cramping on one side of the pelvis

The Total Beta HCG Test is prescribed for adult males and non-pregnant females to detect certain cancers like uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer and noncancerous conditions like liver cirrhosis and inflammatory bowel disease.

• If you are trying to get pregnant, take the first Total Beta HCG Test after you have missed your period.
• If you test positive, then you do not need to repeat the test.
• If you test negative, then repeat this test after a week.
• If your beta HCG levels are low, your doctor may request a repeat total beta HCG test to check if the levels are adequate for normal pregnancy.
• If you are getting the Total Beta HCG Test done for detecting cancers, you may need a repeat test every 3-6 months to check for the prognosis of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

Before the Test

Prior to the Total Beta HCG Test, your doctor won't prescribe specific preparation instructions. Inform your physician about your last menstrual cycle date and if you are on any medications. However, if there's another test will be done simultaneously that requires fasting, your doctor will let you know. Speak with your doctor before any test.

During the Test

During the Total Beta HCG Test, a trained phlebotomist will collect a blood sample from your arm. The process involves several steps:

• The area for needle insertion will be sterilised thoroughly with antiseptic solutions.
• A tourniquet will be tied tightly around your arm to make the veins stand out.
• A needle will be guided into a chosen vein to extract blood, potentially causing a brief pinch but it’ll last for a few seconds.
• The collected blood will be transferred to a vial or small tube, labeled with your personal information.

After the Test

Immediately after the blood collection you can expect the following:

• A bandage will be applied to the site of the needle insertion to prevent bleeding.
• Bruising at the site of the needle insertion is quite common. But if you feel lightheaded, it's advisable to rest for a while.
• If the bleeding continues, or the discomfort, or adverse skin reactions at the needle insertion site appear, it's important to contact your doctor for further guidance.

The Total Beta HCG Test report detects the levels of beta HCG in the blood or urine sample.

The Total Beta HCG Test results show a normal range as follows -

The Total Beta HCG Test values found at every week of pregnancy

Normal Beta HCG levels in healthy men and premenopausal healthy women range from 0.02 - 0.08 IU/L.

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

The Total Beta HCG Test results are given based on the type of test done. If quantitative tests were conducted, then you will get the total beta HCG test values in numbers. If qualitative tests were conducted, then you will get the total beta HCG test results as a positive or negative test.

Interpretation of Qualitative Total Beta HCG Test reports-

• If your qualitative Total Beta HCG Test results are positive, then you are pregnant.
• If your qualitative Total Beta HCG Test results are negative, then you are not pregnant.
• A false-negative result is likely to occur when the test was done too early or the HCG levels were not enough to be detected on the test. Repeat the Total Beta HCG Test in a week to confirm the possibility of a pregnancy.

Interpretation of Quantitative Total Beta HCG Test reports,

Beta HCG is not detectable in healthy women who are not pregnant and in healthy men.

If the Total Beta HCG levels are high in healthy men and non-pregnant women, then you may have any one of the following conditions -

• Choriocarcinoma of the uterus (a fast-growing cancer of the uterus in women)
• A hydatidiform mole of the uterus (a rare mass or growth inside the uterus in women)
• Ovarian cancer (in women)
• Testicular cancer (in men)

If the Total Beta HCG levels are higher than the normal range as per gestation in pregnant females, then the possible causes are as follows -

• More than one foetus that is twins or triplets

If the Total Beta HCG levels are lower than the normal range as per gestation in pregnant females, then the possible causes are as follows -

• Foetal death
• Incomplete miscarriage
• Threatened or spontaneous abortion (Miscarriage)
• Ectopic pregnancy