BETA HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (ßHCG)

Men and Non Pregnant women :

• < 10.0 mIU/ml

• WEEK RANGE
• 1^st - 2^{nd ---------------------} 10 -94
• 2^nd - 3^{rd ---------------------} 61 -2922
• 3^rd - 4^{th ---------------------} 666-18900
• 4^th – 5^{th ---------------------}1536 - 49380
• 5^th – 6^th -----------------13860 - 90600
• 6^th - 7^th -----------------16380 - 139800
• 7^th - 11^{th --------------------}12540 - 174600
• 11^th -16^{th --------------------}3684 - 61800
• 16^th – 21^{st --------------------}2832 – 48060
• 21^st – 39^{th --------------------}1620 - 46860

• HCG stands for Human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone's function includes facilitation of implantation as well as maintenance and development of the corpus Iuteum. Pregnancy tests are based on the detection of the hormone HCG in urine or serum. HCG is thought to be produced by trophoblastic tissue and it appears around the 8-9^th day after ovulation where fertilization has occurred, or around the 4th day after conception
• In a 28-day cycle with ovulation occurring at day 14, HCG can detected in urine or serum in minute quantities or 5 days before the expected menstruation. Chorionic gonadotrophin assays are sometimes used to support the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic gestations do not develop or secrete HCG as do intrauterine pregnancies.
• There are three points during pregnancy when the levels of hCG present in the blood become important. First when the level raises enough to produce a positive pregnancy test. The second point during pregnancy where in ß-hCG values are important is to notice the doubling of the ß—hCG values in 48 hours. This serves for confirming that growth of the baby is proper in initial stages.
• The third time during pregnancy that the levels of ß-hCG are important is during the screening test called the "Triple Test“. This test is also referred to as "The Multiple Marker Test" and "The AFP-Plus Test". During this test, a blood sample is taken and tested for three specific proteins, one of which is HCG, The combination of measurements combined with information about the mother can indicate either Spina-Bifida or Down Syndrome.
• The levels of ß-hCG should drop away 8-9 weeks into the pregnancy (as the placenta takes over production of progesterone), if higher than expected levels of ß-hCG are found between 15 and 22 weeks, then this could indicate an abnormal foetus development.

• To test for pregnancy
• Suspicion of Ectopic pregnancy , Testicular cancer , Trophoblastic tumour
• This test may also be performed in Threatened Abortion, Anovulatory bleeding , First Trimester pregnancy, Hydatidiform mole ,Ovarian cancer, Ovarian cysts, Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD)and in ruling out pregnancy.

• Pregnancy
• Germ cell neoplasms
• Testicular tumour
• Mixed germ cell tumours or pure chorio carcinoma of ovary or testis