HCG QUANTITATIVE (SERUM)

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a Glycoprotein Hormone (Molecular weight: MW approximately 36,000 Dalton: Da) consisting of 2 noncovalently bound subunits. The alpha subunit (92-amino acids; naked protein MW 10,205 Da) is essentially identical to that of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone, and thyrotropin (previously known as thyroid-stimulating hormone: TSH). HCG appears in the blood and urine of pregnant women as early as 10 days after conception. Quantitative HCG measurement helps determine the exact age of the fetus. It can also assist in the diagnosis of abnormal pregnancies, such as ectopic pregnancies, molar pregnancies, and possible miscarriages Children (1,2) Males Birth-3 months: < or =50 IU/L* >3 months-<18 years: <1.4 IU/L Females Birth-3 months: < or =50 IU/L* >3 months-<18 years: <1.0 IU/L *Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), produced in the placenta, partially passes the placental barrier. Newborn serum beta-hCG concentrations are approximately 1/400th of the corresponding maternal serum concentrations, resulting in neonate beta-hCG levels of 10-50 IU/L at birth. Clearance half-life is approximately 2-3 days. Therefore, by 3 months of age, levels comparable to adults should be reached. Adults (97.5th percentile) Males: <1.4 IU/L Females Premenopausal, nonpregnant: <1.0 IU/L Postmenopausal: <7.0 IU/L.

• BETA HCG (Quantitative): Most often, this test is performed to determine if you are pregnant. The growing placenta's cells produce hCG throughout pregnancy. The sac that grows inside the fertilized egg and clings to the uterine wall with a tissue called placenta. About 11 days after conception, hCG can be found in a blood sample for the first time. Every 48 to 72 hours, hCG levels continue to double. About eight to eleven weeks following conception, the levels of this hormone reach a peak. After that, hCG levels start to drop and level off, staying constant for the complete duration of the pregnancy. HCG level in the blood may also be high in women with certain types of ovarian tumors or in men with testicular tumors.

Pregnancy Tests are primarily used to determine whether a person is pregnant. For this purpose, hCG levels can be measured in the blood or urine, and additional testing can be performed to confirm a pregnancy. Tests measuring hCG levels early in a pregnancy may also be able to determine the age of the fetus. In certain cases, hcG tests can be used to:

• Identify or rule out an ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg attaches or implants in an abnormal area)
• Screen for Down syndrome if you are pregnant as part of prenatal screening
• Monitor a pregnancy that may be at risk of a miscarriage
• Check for pregnancy prior to surgery or other medical treatments
• Diagnose gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), a term for pregnancy-related tumors

If you have following symptoms, then HCG Quantitative (Serum) Test is advised:

• Unexplained abdominal pain: May help identify ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
• Missed or irregular periods: To confirm or rule out pregnancy.
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting during pregnancy: To monitor the health and progression of pregnancy.
• Pelvic pain or discomfort: To evaluate potential complications like ectopic pregnancy.
• Severe nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy: To check for conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum or molar pregnancy.
• History of pregnancy complications: To closely monitor HCG levels for any abnormalities.
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness: In cases where pregnancy might not be immediately suspected.
• Symptoms suggesting miscarriage: Sudden cramping, heavy bleeding, or passing of tissue.
• Suspicion of gestational trophoblastic disease or certain cancers: In such cases elevated HCG levels can be a marker.
• Monitoring after miscarriage or abortion: To ensure complete expulsion of pregnancy tissue.

• Go to the Dr. B. Lal Lab website.
• Go to the “Book a test” tab.
• Select the “Lab Test” tab.
• Type “HCG Quantitative (Serum) Test” in the search bar.
• Click on the test.
• The test page with all the test details will show up.
• Click on “Book Now”.
• Login and verify your mobile number with OTP.
• Now enter your details. 
• Select date & time for booking HCG Quantitative (Serum) Test in Jaipur. 
• Check out.

• Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, there is no need for you to make any special preparations before the HCG Quantitative (Serum) Test. 
• Other blood tests can be carried out in addition to an HCG Quantitative (Serum) Test. If your doctor advises you to have multiple tests at once, they may ask you to fast for a specific period of time prior to a blood test.
• Drink adequate water before sample collection.
• Follow the preparatory instructions as guided by your doctor.

The Blood Sample for HCG Quantitative (Serum) Test is taken in following steps:

• The area where the needle will be inserted to take your blood is cleaned with an antiseptic alcohol wipe. The hollow on the inside side of the elbow or the tip of the finger are the most common sites for this.
• A tourniquet or a band is tied around your upper arm to facilitate the access to the vein in your arm.
• A needle is used to puncture your vein. The blood sample is collected into a test tube attached to the needle. The needle may cause a small pinch or sting when it is inserted.
• Once the vial or test tube is filled, the blood sample collection for the test is finished and the needle is taken out.
• Finger pressure is applied on the puncture site to stop the bleeding and the band aid is applied at the site.

The Price of an HCG Quantitative (Serum) Test is Rs. 650. However, cost of the test may fluctuate depending on following factors:

• Other tests advised along with  HCG Quantitative (Serum) Test
• Offers or discounts
• Empanelment of the patient