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Total Beta - HCG (TB-HCG) in Hardigara, Ranchi

Also Known as Pregnancy Test, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Maternal, Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Maternal)

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RECOMMENDED BY:Dr. Anuradha Panda

Specialises in Gynaecology

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  • Total Beta - HCG (TB-HCG)

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About

blood sample
SAMPLE TYPE

BLOOD

Gender
GENDER

Both

users
AGE GROUP

7 years & above

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that the placenta produces during pregnancy. The body produces this hormone ten days post conception. Gradually, these levels keep on rising every two to three days. Hence, HCG in the blood is an indicator that you are pregnant. It can be detected in blood within 11 to12 days of conception.

The peak HCG levels in your blood occur around the tenth week after conception. Hence, a medical test to determine these levels and other aspects of pregnancy becomes crucial. A pregnancy test ascertains one or more of the following factors:

  • Age of foetus (approximate)
  • Possibility of ectopic pregnancy
  • HCG levels 
  • Diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)

To evaluate such crucial factors, a total beta HCG test proves helpful. This test detects a beta protein that is existent in the HCG hormone. However, this medical evaluation also applies to men and women who are not necessarily pregnant. In such cases, this test can prove significant in detecting the following diseases:

  • Testicular cancer
  • Molar pregnancy,
  • Ovarian tumours
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Cirrhosis

The total beta HCG test is quantitative. This implies that the testing reveals the presence of HCG in blood and its amount. The measurement unit in beta HCG test results is milli-international units/millilitre (mIU/ml).

Generally, the beta HCG test normal range after three weeks of pregnancy lies between 5 to 72 mIU/ml. Still, as each person’s body is different, you can expect a different HCG hormone amount in the blood.

The range of HCG levels in your body is dependent on various factors. Here are some of these aspects:

  • Ethnicity
  • Weight
  • Morning sickness
  • Habits like smoking

Thus, the beta protein in the HCG hormone can vary based on such factors. A medical examiner will focus on the rise in these hormone levels as your pregnancy progresses. Lower expected ranges of beta HCG test results can signify possible miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or improper gestational age.

On the other hand, higher values of HCG in the blood can indicate molar or multiple pregnancies. Your doctor can assess the results and beta HCG test normal range after evaluating your pregnancy. Hence, it is crucial to avail proper medical guidance for interpreting the test outcomes. As this test does not require special preparation, you can expect quick results.

Sometimes the doctor may ask for a repeat test after 48 hours if ECTOPIC PREGNANCY IS suspected.The gestational sac is visible on USG at hcg value of 1500 to 2000.mIU/ML

The procedure of this pregnancy test is quite simple. A medical professional will conduct venepuncture, the process of drawing out a blood sample from your vein. Hence, you can experience moderate pain after the insertion of the needle. You can avail of this testing at Apollo 24|7 at a competitive price. In most cases, you can receive the Total Beta HCG test reports within a day.

The risks involved in this testing are minimal. Still, you can experience a stinging sensation, similar to other blood tests. In rare cases, blood can accumulate under the skin. 
 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Anuradha Panda, Family Physician, Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

faqFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How is the blood sample taken?

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to make a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order to prevent bacteria from entering. The needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

What is an ectopic pregnancy? What are its signs and symptoms?

Pregnancy which occurs in a location other than normal location (uterus) is known as ectopic pregnancy. The signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are abnormal vaginal bleeding, low back pain, pain, or cramping in the lower abdomen or on one side of the pelvis.

What happens if ectopic pregnancy is not treated?

If an ectopic pregnancy is not treated, it can cause worsening of signs and symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, feeling of faintness, low blood pressure, pain in the shoulder area, sudden, sharp pain in the pelvic area, fever, flu-like symptoms, and vomiting. The area surrounding the ectopic pregnancy may rupture and cause bleeding. If an ectopic pregnancy is undiagnosed, it can lead to cardiac arrest and death.

What can result in a false-negative urine hCG test?

The false-negative urine hCG test results occur if the urine is excessively diluted or the test is carried out very early in pregnancy. Few drugs like diuretic and antihistamines such as promethazine may cause urine hCG results to come false-negative.

What can result in a false-positive urine hCG test?

The false-positive urine hCG test results can occur due to the intake of medicines such as antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, diuretics, anticonvulsants, hypnotics, anti-Parkinson drugs, and tranquilizers. Other reasons can be proteinuria (presence of protein in the urine), hematuria (presence of blood in the urine), or the presence of excess pituitary gonadotropin.

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Yes, please inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements as it might interfere with the test results.

What do positive beta HCG test results imply?

Positive results of a beta HCG test indicate that the levels of this hormone are over the defined value of 5 mIU/ml. This value indicates that you have an active pregnancy. The hormone's range of beta protein will keep changing as you advance in your pregnancy.

What is the usual range of beta HCG?

If you are a non-pregnant woman, the value of beta HCG in your blood should be less than 5 mIU/ml. On the other hand, healthy men have under 2 mIU/ml of HCG in their blood. It doubles every 48 hours if the pregnancy is healthy. But it doesn’t happen then this may signify an ectopic pregnancy. During pregnancy or other conditions, these levels rise above the expected values.

Does folic acid reduce the chances of miscarriages?

Generally, vitamin supplements do not entirely prevent conditions like miscarriages or stillbirth. Still, such inclusions can reduce some complications. Hence, taking multivitamins per the doctor’s recommendation can prove helpful during pregnancy. Folic acid intake reduces the incidence of neural tube defects like spinabifida and anencephaly. Apart from consuming folic acid, you can increase the chances of safe pregnancy by exercising, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet.

Do low levels of HCG in blood have an impact on the baby?

An HCG count below the normal range is not a massive concern in most cases. Many women can go through safe and healthy pregnancies despite the low levels. In such cases, it is essential to contact your doctor and take the necessary steps to ensure a healthy baby.

What are some evident signs of a healthy pregnancy?

Signs like weight gain, belly growth, consistent growth patterns, foetal movement, and foetal heartbeat indicate healthy pregnancy. Be sure to complete all the required medical evaluations after passing a pregnancy test.

Can a Total Beta HCG test be wrong?

Similar to most medical tests, a beta HCG test can provide false-negative or false-positive results. Hence, this test is not 100% accurate. You can still elevate the chances of a reliable report by reaching out to trustworthy testing providers.

What is the Importance of Annual Health Check?

Annual health checks are essential for preventive care. These checkups allow early detection of potential health issues, thus improving the prognosis. Annual checkups help assess the need for interventions or adjustments in the current treatment plan for pre-existing illnesses. This checkup can also help you save tax under section 80 D.

Why should Apollo be your preferred healthcare partner?

  • 40 Years of legacy and credibility in the healthcare industry.
  • NABL certified multi-channel digital healthcare platform.
  • Affordable diagnostic solutions with timely and accurate test results.
  • Up to 60% discount on Doorstep Diagnostic Tests, Home Sample Collection.
  • An inventory of over 100+ laboratories, spread across the country, operating out of 120+ cities with 1200+ collection centers, serving over 1800+ pin codes.

The information mentioned above is meant for educational purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute to your Physician’s advice. It is highly recommended that the customer consults with a qualified healthcare professional to interpret test results