Beta-hCG- The pregnancy hormone !

Beta- human Chorionic Gonadotropin (B-hCG) is the pregnancy hormone. Initially it is produced by placenta, during the second week of pregnancy. β-hCG fortifys the corpus luteum, which helps support the endometrial lining and thereby maintain pregnancy. Primary function of this hormone is to maintain the vascular supply of the placenta (sac that nourishes the egg after it is fertilized) during the complete period of pregnancy. This hormone also accounts for numerous other crucial placental, uterine and fetal functions in pregnancy. In the early stage of pregnancy, level of HCG is elevated enough to produce a positive pregnancy test in the blood and also in the urine. Therefore, pregnancy test detects the levels of hCG in the blood or urine to confirm pregnancy status.

Why should one get tested?

  • This test is done to confirm a pregnancy.
  • To help detect an ectopic pregnancy- when implantation takes place outside the uterus it is known as ectopic pregnancy, where the level of hCG is slowly elevated in the blood. Therefore, testing may help in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.
  • To monitor a pregnancy that may be at high risk of failing.
  • To screen a pregnant women to monitor the developing baby for fetal abnormalities and/or chromosomal abnormalities.

Abnormal Levels-

  • Abnormal levels of B-hCG may indicate chromosomal defect such as Down syndrome in the developing fetus.
  • Increased levels are indicative of miscalculation in pregnancy dating.
  • Low levels of b-hCG can indicate that an individual have had or will have a miscarriage.
  • Raised levels can as well indicate a blighted ovum also known as anembryonic pregnancy, a condition in which the fertilized egg is attached to uterine wall but, the embryo fails to develop.
  • High levels are seen in ectopic pregnancy
  • Elevated levels of this hormone may manifest molar pregnancy, a placental abnormality caused when the egg and sperm join together during the fertilization process that leads to growth of abnormal tissues within the uterus.

The test for hormone beta hCG is done for qualitative and quantitative analysis by the use of advanced and sophisticate d automated technologies like Chemi Luminescent Immuno Assay (C.L.I.A).