Low beta hCG levels are seen in the following conditions:

• Error in calculation of Pregnancy date

• Miscarriage

• The blighted ovum (Pregnancy without embryo)

• Ectopic pregnancy (Pregnancy outside of the uterus) other than normal location)

High beta hCG levels are seen in the following conditions:

• Error in calculation of Pregnancy date

• Molar pregnancy (an abnormal pregnancy where the baby does not develop)

• More than one pregnancy (Twins or Triplets)

Beta hCG is a hormone which is normally produced by the cells in the developing placenta during pregnancy. Beta hCG levels in pregnancy increases in the initial period. The role of beta hCG in early pregnancy is to maintain the corpus luteum (the hormone-secreting structure that develops in an ovary). During the first three weeks production of beta hCG increases reaching to peak levels at 10th week (from the last menstrual cycle). After that, the levels of beta hCG start to fall to negligible levels within a few weeks after delivery.

In men and women, beta hCG is normally found in small amounts. beta hCG is composed of two big molecules known as alpha and beta subunit. The structure of the alpha subunit is similar to the structure of Follicle-stimulating hormone and Luteinizing hormone. The beta subunit is different and is found only in beta hCG. That is why beta hCG is done to decrease the risk of cross-reaction.  

This test is performed on a blood sample. A syringe with a fine needle attached is used to withdraw blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm generally from the inner side of the elbow area. The doctor, nurse or the phlebotomist will tie an elastic band around your arm which will help the blood vessels to swell with blood and hence makes it easier to withdraw blood. You may be asked to tightly clench your fist. Once the veins are clearly visible, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then the needle is inserted into the blood vessel to collect the sample. You may feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. Blood sample once collected is then sent to the laboratory.

There is no risk associated with the test. However, as this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, rarely, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma (blood collection under the skin) formation, bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

This test is not done routinely. This test is advised in case of bleeding, severe cramps or if the patient has any history of miscarriage.

No, b-hCG is considered to be a tumor marker as it is also secreted by some of the tumors which show high levels of b-hCG and it includes the cancer of the uterus, ovarian cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer. There are also some non-cancerous conditions which show increased levels of b-hCG such as Cirrhosis and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

No, it can give false positive and false negative results for pregnancy. In case of any doubt, the test is redone to ensure pregnancy is there or not. Secondly, patients on medicines containing b-hCG can disrupt the levels of b-hCG in the test such as fertility drugs.

False-negative results mean that the test result is indicating negative wrongly. Generally, false-negative b-hCG results mean that the patient is not pregnant. But, if the tests have been performed very early during the pregnancy, the tests would come negative. The b-hCG levels change quickly with duration of pregnancy.

False-positive results mean that the test result is indicating positive wrongly. Patients on certain medications containing b-hCG can show a false-positive test. People who smoke marijuana also show a false-positive test.

Yes, b-hCG levels are positive in ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy other than its normal location) but the levels increase slowly as compared to normal pregnancy.

Yes, b-hCG levels can be detected positive in neonates because b-hCG is produced by the cells in the placenta which passes the placental barrier and thus found in neonates.

Yes, b-hCG levels can be found positive in men in case of testicular cancer.

If your doctor confirms pregnancy, he will advise you PAPP-A test for prenatal screening in the first trimester or Dual marker test can be advised.