Beta hCG test and what to know

The beta hCG test is used to measure beta hormone hGC levels. This type of hormone is only released when a woman is pregnant. Beta hCG tests are also used to diagnose and evaluate certain types of cancer.

  What is hCG?

hCG stands for Human chorionic gonadotropin, a type of pregnancy hormone secreted by the placenta. hCG can be detected in the mother's plasma or urine 8- 9 days after ovulation. hCG reached a peak around 8-10 weeks then gradually declined.

  What is the hCG beta test used for?

The beta test - hCG is performed to diagnose early pregnancy when a period is delayed.

  HCH beta test is done to:

• Early diagnosis of premature pregnancy.
• Calculate the age of the fetus
• Diagnosis of abnormal pregnancy, such as ectopic pregnancy.
• Diagnosis of the risk of miscarriage
• Screening for Down syndrome

In some cases, the beta hCG test in the blood is used to diagnose pregnancy before a woman undergoes certain medical treatments that could harm the development of the fetus, such as radiography. This is a standard precautionary test that is conducted before the woman has an X-ray to make sure she is not pregnant.

  What do beta hCG test results mean?

The beta hCG concentration is calculated in units of mIU / ml. Below is a table to monitor beta hCG levels based on gestational age (calculated from the first day of the last menstrual cycle), according to the American Pregnancy Association:

  The normal beta hCG concentration in non-pregnant women is less than 5.0 mIU / ml, this concentration in menopausal women is less than 9.5 mIU / ml.

If there is any doubt about the beta - hCG test results, different tests may be used.

Low hCG levels

• It may be due to incorrect pregnancy calculation.
• Ability to miscarry or damage eggs.
• Pregnant pregnancy.

High levels of hCG

• It may be due to incorrect pregnancy calculation.
• Multiple pregnancies.
• Egg pregnancy.
• Think more of Down syndrome when the amount of AFP in your blood decreases.

  Is the beta hCG test result always accurate?

Not a hCG beta test is always 100% accurate. A beta hCG test can produce both false and false positive results for pregnancy.

• False negative results

Usually, a negative hCG beta test result means no pregnancy. However, if the test is done too early, before the body has enough time to produce enough hCG, it may lead to false negative results. Because hCG levels change so rapidly during early pregnancy, a hCG quantitative test should be repeated within 48 to 72 hours to observe changes in this hormone level. Some drugs such as diuretics, promethazine, tranquilizers may also cause false negative hCG beta test results.

• False positive results

On the other hand, if the test sample contains protein, excess blood or pituitary gonadotropin may lead to false positive test results. This condition can also occur if the body produces a debris antibody of the hCG molecule. If there is any doubt about betahCG test results, different tests can be used.