BETA HCG

The Beta HCG test is a blood test that detects and measures the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. This hormone is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation and helps to maintain the growth of the embryo during early pregnancy.

The Beta HCG uses an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect, and measure amounts of HCG in blood. The sample is collected through taking a blood from arm vein then sent to laboratory for analysis.

The test measures the amount of HCG in blood, which usually comes in milli-international units per millilitre (mIU/mL). It can pick up even small amounts of HCG since it is so sensitive.

The test measures:

Quantitative HCG: The quantity of HCG in blood which may vary from 5-100,000 mIU/mL

Qualitative HCG: Either a positive or negative test result indicating whether HCG is present in the blood.

The Beta HCG test is usually taken:

1. To confirm pregnancy and estimate the gestational age

2. To diagnose and monitor ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

3. To screen for Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities

4. To monitor the progress of pregnancy and the health of the foetus

The test is usually taken at the following times:

Early pregnancy: 7-14 days after conception to confirm pregnancy and estimate gestational age.

Pregnancy monitoring: Throughout pregnancy to monitor how it is coming along and the baby’s health status.

Abnormal pregnancy: As needed to diagnose and monitor ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

Risks:

False negative results: This can occur when a woman takes a beta HCG too early after conceiving or too late.

False negative results: In some cases, any of several medical conditions or medications can result in a false positive.

Limitations:

Diagnostic Accuracy: The test is not sensitive enough to identify all pregnancies or abnormal pregnancies.

Chromosomal Abnormalities: This test is not definitive and cannot detect all cases of chromosomal abnormalities.

The following are the parameters evaluated in beta HCG test:

HCG level: Blood levels of this hormone indicate whether woman is pregnant and how long she has been pregnant.

Gestational age: Estimation of the baby’s age according to HCG levels and the date of last menstrual period (LMP).

Abnormal results: Abnormal levels for HCG and other tests which suggest a ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage etc.

Women who should take Beta HCG Test include those women below:

Women trying to conceive: These individuals may want to confirm their pregnancy by taking up this test and finding out about the duration they are at.

Symptomatic women: To confirm a pregnancy, such women can use the test by having missed periods, fatigue, or feeling sick.

Women at risk for complications: Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or other complications may opt to take the test for monitoring reasons

The beta HCG test offers several health benefits to women, and they include:

Early finding of pregnancy: Early pregnant detection is possible through this test that enables

women access ante-natal care and make informed choices.

Monitoring progress of pregnancy: This test monitors the development of your baby as well as identify any abnormality that might occur.

Recognition of chromosomal abnormalities: These are Down Syndrome among others which can be identified by carrying out the test.

Beta HCG tests are used to diagnose:

Pregnancy: It confirms whether you are expectant and thus helps in establishing gestational age,

Ectopic Pregnancy: The test can ascertain an ectopic pregnancy which occurs when fertilized egg implants outside uterus

Miscarriage: A miscarriage is diagnosed using this method where a termination of your pregnancy happens before the child can survive outside your womb.

Down syndrome: The test could identify Down’s syndrome, a genetic condition that can cause mental and physical retardation.

Before you have the test:

Medical history checkup: Tell your doctor about the medical conditions you have or used to have and if there were previous pregnancies.

Understanding the test results: Understand what has happened to your body and see if there is a need for future tests.

Preparing for blood draw: Prepare for getting blood specimen by exposing your arm and removing tight clothing

Procedure:

Drawing blood: Blood sample is drawn from a vein in the arm

Send to laboratory: The blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis

Caution:

Wrong results: Some medical conditions or medications can give false readings

Results which are not dependable: Test results may be unreliable when they are conducted too early or too late after fertilization has occurred.