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🧪 Beta-HCG Test

Parameter	Details
Test Name	Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-HCG)
Sample Type	Blood (Serum) or Urine
Fasting Required	❌ Not Required
Test Method	Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) or ELISA
Turnaround Time	1–2 days
Department	Obstetrics / Oncology / Endocrinology

🧬 What is Beta-HCG?

β-HCG is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the placenta shortly after fertilization. It supports pregnancy by:

It is also produced in certain tumors, both testicular and other germ cell malignancies.

🧠 Organs/Systems Involved

System	Relevance
Reproductive System	Pregnancy detection, ectopic pregnancy, gestational diseases
Endocrine System	Hormonal regulation in pregnancy
Oncological System	Marker in germ cell tumors (testes, ovaries, brain, etc.)

🎯 Why Is the Test Done?

Purpose	Details
🤰 Confirm Pregnancy	Detects pregnancy within 6–8 days after ovulation
🧪 Monitor Pregnancy Health	Rule out ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
🧫 Tumor Marker	In men and non-pregnant women, indicates germ cell tumors
👶 Monitor Molar Pregnancy	Trophoblastic disease / hydatidiform mole
🔬 Cancer Surveillance	Testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, and other rare tumors

📊 Interpretation

🔹 Pregnancy Context

β-HCG Level (mIU/mL)	Interpretation
< 5	Not pregnant
5–25	Indeterminate (repeat after 2–3 days)
> 25	Suggests pregnancy
Doubling every 48–72 hrs	Normal early pregnancy growth trend
Falling or plateaued levels	Suggests miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy

🔹 Non-Pregnancy Context

Elevated Levels May Indicate
Testicular germ cell tumors (in males)
Ovarian germ cell tumors
Choriocarcinoma
Liver, lung, or gastrointestinal cancers
Molar pregnancy / trophoblastic tumors

🩺 Associated Conditions

Condition	Role of β-HCG Test
Early pregnancy confirmation	Sensitive test; more accurate than urine tests
Ectopic pregnancy	Lower or slowly rising HCG levels
Miscarriage	Falling levels over time
Gestational trophoblastic disease	Extremely high levels
Testicular or ovarian cancer	Tumor marker for diagnosis and monitoring

🔬 Tests Commonly Done With It

Test	Why?
Transvaginal Ultrasound	Confirm intrauterine vs ectopic pregnancy
Progesterone	Helps differentiate viable from non-viable pregnancy
AFP, LDH, PLAP, CEA	Other tumor markers in testicular/ovarian cancers
Urine HCG	Simpler screening alternative
Pelvic Ultrasound	Detect gestational sac or masses

📋 Quick Summary Table

Test	Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-HCG)
Fasting Required	❌ No
Used For	Pregnancy detection, cancer diagnosis, ectopic monitoring
Positive In	Pregnancy, testicular/ovarian cancers, GTD, choriocarcinoma
Best Paired With	Ultrasound, Progesterone, AFP, LDH, Tumor Markers

✅ Recommended If You Have:

Beta HCG