Total Beta - HCG (TB-HCG)

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.