HCG Beta Total Maternal

Also known as Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Maternal

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Female

Understanding HCG Beta Total Maternal

What is HCG Beta Total Maternal?

An HCG Beta Total 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 abnormal conditions not related to pregnancy that can raise hCG levels.

The hCG hormone is produced by the placenta during pregnancy, making its presence in the blood a useful indicator of pregnancy. This hormone is used to determine the exact age of the fetus, detect any abnormalities like ectopic pregnancies (when a fertilized egg attaches in an abnormal area), molar pregnancies, and possible miscarriages, and identify Down syndrome in an unborn child.

You may be advised an HCG Beta Total Maternal test if there are signs and symptoms that suggest pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy, or a pregnancy that is not progressing in a healthy manner. 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 used as a diagnostic tool to check for pregnancy prior to surgery or other medical treatments. This test also helps 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 different 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 Maternal used for?

An HCG Beta Total Maternal test is done:

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

What does HCG Beta Total Maternal measure?

An HCG Beta Total 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 keep on rising every 2 to 3 days (or 48 to 72 hours) and reach a 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 Maternal results

Interpretations

Low b-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 normal location or outside of the uterus)

High b-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 Maternal

Frequently Asked Questions about HCG Beta Total Maternal

Q. How is an HCG Beta Total 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 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. Rarely, some people may also experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

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 normal location) but the levels increase slowly as 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. Can hCG beta levels be detected as positive in neonates?

Yes, hCG beta levels can be detected as positive in neonates because b-hCG is produced by the cells in the placenta and these cells can pass the placental barrier and are therefore found in neonates.

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

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