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Free Beta HCG

Cancer
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Report in 12Hrs

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At Home

nofastingrequire

No Fasting Required

Details

Hormone test to confirm pregnancy or detect certain cancers (germ cell tumors).

₹299₹1,100

73% OFF

Free Beta HCG Test Information Guide

  • Why is it done?
    • Detects and measures the free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy
    • Screens for chromosomal abnormalities including Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13) in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy
    • Part of first-trimester combined screening (11-14 weeks) along with nuchal translucency ultrasound measurement
    • Component of the quad screen or triple screen performed during the second trimester (15-22 weeks)
    • Evaluates risk for neural tube defects and other pregnancy complications
    • Confirms viability and progression of pregnancy when repeated over time
    • Monitors for pregnancy-related complications such as gestational trophoblastic disease or ectopic pregnancy
  • Normal Range
    • Non-pregnant women: <1.0 mIU/mL (milliunits per milliliter) or <0.5 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter)
    • Men: <1.0 mIU/mL
    • First trimester (11-14 weeks): 10,000-100,000 mIU/mL (varies by week of gestation) - reported as multiples of the median (MoM); normal range typically 0.5-2.5 MoM for free beta HCG
    • Second trimester (15-22 weeks): 5,000-50,000 mIU/mL - free beta HCG levels increase early then decline; normal MoM range typically 0.5-2.5 MoM
    • Interpretation of Results: Negative Result (<1.0 mIU/mL): Indicates absence of hCG; not pregnant or hCG not yet detectable in non-pregnant individuals Positive Result (>1.0 mIU/mL in non-pregnant): Indicates presence of hCG; pregnancy is likely or other hCG-producing conditions present Elevated Free Beta HCG (>2.5 MoM in first trimester): Increases risk for Down syndrome, may also indicate multiple gestation Decreased Free Beta HCG (<0.5 MoM in first trimester): May indicate increased risk for Edwards syndrome or Patau syndrome MoM (Multiples of the Median): Used to standardize results across different laboratories and gestational ages; normal range typically 0.5-2.5 MoM
  • Interpretation
    • Result Patterns and Clinical Significance:
    • Elevated Free Beta HCG (>2.5 MoM): Associated with increased risk for trisomy 21 (Down syndrome); risk increases significantly with increasing free beta HCG levels; approximately 10-15% of Down syndrome pregnancies have elevated free beta HCG
    • Decreased Free Beta HCG (<0.5 MoM): Associated with increased risk for trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome); indicates poor prognosis in these conditions
    • Combined Results in First Trimester Screening: Integrates with nuchal translucency ultrasound, PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A), and maternal age to calculate individual risk scores
    • Combined Results in Second Trimester Screening: Free beta HCG combined with AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), uE3 (unconjugated estriol), and inhibin A to assess risk
    • Factors Affecting Results:
    • Gestational age uncertainty: Even small discrepancies significantly affect interpretation; accurate dating via ultrasound is critical
    • Multiple gestation: Higher hCG levels normally seen with twins or multiples; screening is less accurate
    • Maternal weight and body mass index (BMI): May affect hormone concentration and interpretation
    • Maternal age: Older maternal age increases risk for chromosomal abnormalities; adjusted in risk calculations
    • Race and ethnicity: Minor variations in normal ranges observed among different ethnic populations
    • Diabetes mellitus: Insulin-dependent diabetes may slightly lower free beta HCG levels
    • Previous pregnancy with aneuploidy: Does not influence marker levels but affects interpretation in context of patient history
    • Important Interpretation Notes:
    • Screening test, not diagnostic: Abnormal results indicate increased risk but do not confirm a diagnosis
    • Risk vs. probability: Results provide statistical risk assessment; many pregnancies with abnormal screening results deliver healthy infants
    • Detection rates: Combined first-trimester screening detects approximately 85-95% of Down syndrome cases; detection rates vary for other aneuploidies
  • Associated Organs
    • Primary Organ Systems Involved:
    • Placenta: Primary source of hCG production during pregnancy; abnormal placental development affects hCG levels
    • Fetal chromosomes: Test screens for chromosomal abnormalities in fetal tissue
    • Uterus: Site of pregnancy development; pregnancy location affects hCG patterns
    • Conditions Associated with Abnormal Free Beta HCG:
    • Down syndrome (Trisomy 21): Elevated free beta HCG typically seen; detection rate approximately 70-90% using first-trimester combined screening
    • Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18): Decreased free beta HCG typically seen; detection rate approximately 60-70%
    • Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13): Decreased free beta HCG typically seen; detection rate approximately 50-60%
    • Neural tube defects: Elevated free beta HCG may be associated with certain neural tube defects such as spina bifida
    • Gestational trophoblastic disease: Markedly elevated hCG levels (often >100,000 mIU/mL) indicate molar pregnancy
    • Ectopic pregnancy: Abnormally low hCG levels or plateau/decline in serial measurements may indicate ectopic implantation
    • Miscarriage: Declining hCG levels or levels below expected for gestational age indicate pregnancy loss or impending miscarriage
    • Multiple gestations: Higher baseline hCG levels due to multiple hCG-producing placentae
    • hCG-secreting tumors: Malignancies in non-pregnant individuals producing hCG, including testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, and gestational choriocarcinoma
    • Associated Complications:
    • Abnormal screening results increase maternal anxiety and may lead to unnecessary invasive testing if not properly counseled
    • False positive results occur in approximately 5-10% of pregnancies screened; confirmatory testing with invasive procedures (amniocentesis or CVS) carries small miscarriage risk
    • False negative results occur in approximately 10-15% of affected pregnancies; reassuring test does not completely exclude chromosomal abnormalities
  • Follow-up Tests
    • For Abnormal Screening Results:
    • Detailed fetal ultrasound: High-resolution ultrasound assessment for soft markers (nuchal fold thickening, echogenic intracardiac focus, pyelectasis), structural abnormalities, and growth assessment
    • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): Invasive test performed at 10-13 weeks for direct fetal genetic analysis; provides definitive diagnosis for chromosomal abnormalities
    • Amniocentesis: Invasive test performed at 15-20 weeks; analyzes fetal cells in amniotic fluid for chromosomal abnormalities; alternative to CVS for later pregnancy gestations
    • Cell-free fetal DNA testing (NIPT): Non-invasive prenatal testing; analyzes fetal DNA fragments in maternal blood; has higher detection rate (>99%) for trisomy 21; recommended as confirmatory test after abnormal screening
    • Karyotyping: Gold standard test performed on amniocentesis or CVS samples; visual examination of chromosomes under microscope; provides definitive diagnosis
    • Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH): Rapid chromosomal analysis performed on prenatal samples; results available within 24-48 hours
    • For Pregnancy Viability Assessment:
    • Serial hCG quantification: Repeated testing at 48-72 hour intervals to assess hCG doubling pattern; rising levels indicate normal progression, plateau or decline suggests complications
    • Transvaginal ultrasound: Imaging to confirm intrauterine pregnancy, assess gestational sac size and yolk sac presence, rule out ectopic or molar pregnancy
    • For Second Trimester Screening:
    • Quad screen or triple screen: Additional biomarkers (AFP, uE3, inhibin A) measured with free beta HCG for second trimester risk assessment (15-22 weeks)
    • Sequential screening: Results from first trimester combined with second trimester quad screen for integrated risk assessment across both trimesters
    • Monitoring Frequency:
    • Routine pregnancies: Single screening test during first trimester (11-14 weeks) or second trimester (15-22 weeks), not repeated unless clinically indicated
    • Questionable viability: Serial hCG testing every 48-72 hours until viability confirmed via ultrasound (gestational sac, fetal pole, cardiac activity)
    • Abnormal screening: Typically followed by genetic counseling and additional testing recommendations based on individual risk assessment within 1-2 weeks
    • Post-invasive testing: After amniocentesis or CVS, repeat ultrasound performed to confirm normal amniotic fluid volume and fetal cardiac activity
  • Fasting Required?
    • Fasting Requirement: NO
    • No fasting necessary: Free beta HCG test can be performed at any time of day and is not affected by food or drink intake
    • Patient Preparation Requirements:
    • Blood sample collection: Standard venipuncture performed in clinical laboratory or outpatient setting; no special preparation required
    • Accurate dating: Ensure accurate pregnancy dating via ultrasound if possible, as results are highly dependent on gestational age
    • Timing of test: For first trimester screening, blood draw should be performed between 11-14 weeks (6 days); optimal timing is 12-13 weeks
    • For second trimester screening, blood draw should be performed between 15-22 weeks of gestation
    • Medications and Supplements:
    • No medications need to be avoided: Most medications including prenatal vitamins, antacids, and common pregnancy-safe medications do not interfere with test results
    • Inform healthcare provider of all medications and supplements: Ensure provider is aware of current medications for complete medical record and risk assessment
    • Additional Special Instructions:
    • Bring identification and insurance information to appointment
    • Arrive adequately hydrated; adequate hydration does not affect results but may ease blood draw
    • Allow 5-10 minutes for appointment; test performed quickly as simple blood draw
    • Results typically available within 3-7 business days; timing varies by laboratory and testing method used
    • Genetic counseling: If scheduling free beta HCG screening, discuss with provider whether genetic counseling is appropriate before or after test results

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