Common Specialities
{{speciality.keyWord}}
Common Issues
{{issue.keyWord}}
Common Treatments
{{treatment.keyWord}}

Overview

Beta Human Chorionic Gonodotropin,Tumor marker Test

Beta Human Chorionic Gonodotropin,Tumor marker Test

also known as: Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Automated Blood, Beta HCG test, HCG Test, BHCG test, HCG Pregnancy Test, Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Beta Pregnancy Test, Quantitative Pregnancy Test, Chorionic Gonadotropin Test

During a women's pregnancy, cells in the developing placenta (the sac that nourishes the egg after it’s fertilization) makes Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or hCG. Some cancerous tumors also produce these hormones. The test can measure elevated levels of the hormones and can help in diagnosing cancer in patients. It is also used to help diagnose gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Combined with other tests such as AFP and lactate dehydrogenase, to help diagnose germ cell tumors.

GTD is a group of tumor that develops inside a woman's uterus. As hCG is not commonly present in men or nonpregnant women, it is useful to detect cancerous tumors.

No special preparation required for taking this test. A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. This is done by inserting a needle in your arm and then drawing blood in a vile. A small amount of bruising can occur where the needle was inserted. It can be minimized by applying pressure to the area for some time after the needle is removed. In rare cases, excessive bleeding, lightheadedness, fainting hematoma and infection at the needle site can possibly occur. The test is done there is vaginal bleeding during pregnancy or fatigue related to anemia.

hCG test is used as a tumor marker. An elevated hCG level may indicate an individual has a germ cell tumor. The test is used for Monitoring patients for retained products of conception. It also aids in the diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), ovarian germ cell tumors, testicular tumors. A high level of hCG may indicate gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), which may continue to rise past the first trimester in a pregnant woman. hCG levels lower than normal could mean miscalculation of pregnancy dating or possible miscarriage. Nonreproductive tumors like hepatobiliary tumors (hepatoblastomas) and neuroendocrine tumors can also be detected.

A doctor collects the blood sample by following these steps: An elastic band is wrapped around the upper arm to stop the blood flow. It makes the veins more visible so that the needle can be inserted easily. A vein is located, and the surface around the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic. The needle is slowly inserted into a vein, and the blood is drawn inside a tube attached to the end of the needle. The blood sample is collected in a vile. A cotton or gauze is placed onto the puncture site once the needle is removed from the vein.

As with all tests containing monoclonal mouse antibodies, erroneous findings may be obtained from samples taken from patients who have been treated with monoclonal mouse antibodies or who have received them for diagnostic purposes.In rare cases, interference due to extremely high titers of antibodies to streptavidin and ruthenium can occur.The test contains additives, which minimize these effects.
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.8ml
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Type Gender Age-Group Value
Beta HCG levels
FEMALE
All age groups
< 5mIU/ml
Beta HCG levels
FEMALE pregnant
All age groups
Value doubles from the normal value
Average price range of the test is between Rs.400 to Rs.2700 depending on the factors of city, quality and availablity.

Table of Content

What is Beta Human Chorionic Gonodotropin,Tumor marker Test?
Preparation for Beta Human Chorionic Gonodotropin,Tumor marker Test
Uses of Beta Human Chorionic Gonodotropin,Tumor marker Test
Procedure for Beta Human Chorionic Gonodotropin,Tumor marker Test
Limitations of Beta Human Chorionic Gonodotropin,Tumor marker Test
Specimen Requirements
Normal values for Beta Human Chorionic Gonodotropin,Tumor marker Test
Price for Beta Human Chorionic Gonodotropin,Tumor marker Test
Lybrate Gaurantee
Lybrate Gaurantee