Beta-hCG (Quantitative Pregnancy Test)
Sample Type: Serum
Also Known As: Quantitative hCG, β-hCG, Serum hCG, hCG beta subunit test

Overview:
The Beta-hCG Quantitative test measures the exact amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in the blood. hCG is a hormone produced primarily by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Its presence and level in blood or urine are the earliest indicators of pregnancy.

This test is more sensitive and precise than the qualitative hCG test, which only detects if hCG is present or not.

Purpose of the Test:
The quantitative beta-hCG test is used to:

Confirm pregnancy early (as soon as 6–8 days after conception)

Estimate gestational age

Monitor pregnancy progression (especially in early weeks)

Detect ectopic pregnancies

Evaluate suspected miscarriage or pregnancy failure

Monitor hCG levels after miscarriage or abortion

Assess and monitor certain cancers, including:

Gestational trophoblastic disease

Choriocarcinoma

Testicular tumors

Ovarian germ cell tumors

Sample Collection:
Type: Serum (blood sample)

Method: Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in the arm

Preparation: No fasting required

Interpretation of Results:
hCG levels are reported in mIU/mL (milli-international units per milliliter), and values increase rapidly in early pregnancy:

Typical hCG Levels by Weeks of Pregnancy:
0–1 week: 5–50 mIU/mL

1–2 weeks: 50–500 mIU/mL

2–3 weeks: 100–5,000 mIU/mL

3–4 weeks: 500–10,000 mIU/mL

4–5 weeks: 1,000–50,000 mIU/mL

5–6 weeks: 10,000–100,000 mIU/mL

6–8 weeks: 15,000–200,000 mIU/mL

2nd trimester: 10,000–50,000 mIU/mL

Note: hCG levels vary widely; one value alone cannot confirm pregnancy health—serial measurements are often needed.

High hCG Levels May Indicate:
Multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins, triplets)

Molar pregnancy

Gestational trophoblastic disease

Certain tumors or cancers

Wrong gestational dating

Low or Slow-Rising hCG Levels May Indicate:
Ectopic pregnancy

Threatened or incomplete miscarriage

Blighted ovum

Nonviable pregnancy

Clinical Importance:
Helps in early detection and monitoring of pregnancy.

Useful in emergency situations (e.g., pelvic pain or bleeding).

Essential in monitoring treatment response after miscarriage, abortion, or tumor removal.

Conclusion:
The Quantitative Beta-hCG test is a vital tool in confirming and managing pregnancy, especially in its early stages. It offers detailed insight into the pregnancy’s progression and can alert clinicians to complications like ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy loss, as well as hCG-secreting tumors.