Method of Collection:
Volume as mentioned on gel vacutainer (Yellow)
Days for reporting:
Same Day
Reference:
| BETA HCG levels are increased in pregnancy and can also be found in serum and other body fluids in patients with gestational trophoblastic disease, testicular choriocarcinoma and rarely in gastrointestinal tumours hepatomas, pancreatic, carcinoma and lymphomas. Serial Beta HCG assays therefore form important prognostic markers in such cancers. During the first six weeks of pregnancy, serum HCG concentrations have a doubling time of approx. two days. Following delivery hCG concentrations rapidly decreases and usually return to normal in several days. High levels of hCG may persist after HCG-injections in patients undergoing infertility therapy. HCG may be present in very low levels in ectopic pregnancies while conditions like choriocarcinoma, trophoblastic or non trophoblastic neoplasms, or hydatidiform mole may result in high concentrations of HCG some-times over 6 million mlU/ml. Some patients may have low levels in the range of 5000 mlU/ml. The levels become undetectable |
Why is the Test Done?
HCG appears in the blood of pregnant women as early as 10 days after conception. Quantitative HCG measurements can help to diagnose abnormal pregnancies, molar pregnancies, and those that will miscarry. It is also used as part of a screening test for Down Syndrome. This test is also done to diagnose abnormal condition unrelated to pregnancy that can raise HCG levels.
How to prepare for the Test:
No test preparation is needed
