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HCG Beta Total, Maternal

Also referred as

Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin(Maternal)

For women

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48 hours

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1 test

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Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-hCG ) Total test measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in the blood preferably 10 days post conception. The levels of this hormone increase in the blood during early pregnancy, between 8 to 10 weeks, after which they start falling.

This test is commonly used to confirm pregnancy. However, it can also help to diagnose suspected tumors, post-miscarriage monitoring and detect ectopic pregnancy. After 6-7 weeks of pregnancy, hCG levels are not very helpful to test for the viability of the pregnancy. Instead, an ultrasound is done to confirm the presence of a fetal heartbeat. Low β hCG is seen in miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy while high β-hCG is observed in case of multiple pregnancies.

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What does HCG Beta Total, Maternal measure?

b-hCG test measures the levels of b-hCG in blood. b-hCG is a hormone which is normally produced by the cells in the developing placenta, during pregnancy. b-hCG levels increase during the initial period of the pregnancy. The role of b-hCG in early pregnancy is to maintain the corpus luteum (the hormone-secreting structure that develops in an ovary). During the first three weeks, production of b-hCG increases reaching to peak levels at 10th week (from the last menstrual cycle). After that, the levels of b-hCG start falling to negligible levels within a few weeks after delivery.

In men and women, b-hCG is normally found in small amounts. b-hCG is composed of two big molecules known as alpha and beta subunit. The structure of the alpha subunit is similar to the structure of Follicle-stimulating hormone and Luteinizing hormone. The beta subunit is different and is found only in b-hCG. That is why b-hCG test is done to decrease the risk of cross-reaction.

FAQs related to HCG Beta Total, Maternal

Should beta hCG levels be checked in routine?

This test is not done routinely. This test is advised in case of bleeding, severe cramps or if the patient has any history of miscarriage.

Is the beta hCG test only used for pregnancy?

No, b-hCG is considered to be a tumor marker as it is also secreted by some of the tumors which show high levels of b-hCG for e.g. the cancer of the uterus, ovarian cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer. There are also some non-cancerous conditions which show increased levels of b-hCG such as Cirrhosis and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Is the beta hCG test always 100 % accurate?

No, it can give false positive and false negative results for pregnancy. In case of any doubt, the test is redone to ensure pregnancy is there or not. Secondly, patients on medicines containing b-hCG can disrupt the levels of b-hCG in the test such as fertility drugs.

When are the results False-negative in beta hCG test?

False-negative results mean that the test result is indicating negative wrongly. Generally, false-negative b-hCG results mean that the patient is not pregnant. But, if the tests have been performed very early during the pregnancy, the results would be negative. The b-hCG levels change quickly with the duration of pregnancy.

When are the results False-positive in beta hCG test?

False-positive results mean that the test result is indicating positive wrongly. Patients on certain medications containing b-hCG can show a false-positive test. People who smoke marijuana also show a false-positive test.

Are beta hCG levels positive in ectopic pregnancy as well?

Yes, b-hCG levels are positive in ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy other than its normal location) but the levels increase slowly as compared to normal pregnancy.

Can beta hCG levels be detected positive in neonates?

Yes, b-hCG levels can be detected positive in neonates because b-hCG is produced by the cells in the placenta which passes the placental barrier and thus found in neonates.

Can beta hCG levels be found positive in men also?

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

Are there any other tests required with the beta hCG test for confirmation of pregnancy?

If your doctor confirms pregnancy, he will advise you PAPP-A test for prenatal screening in the first trimester or Dual marker test can be advised.

Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Content created by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MBBS, MD Lab Medicine

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Last Updated

25th Oct 2023