1033. β-hCG total (human chorionic gonadotropin total)

Total β-hCG is a hormonal marker of pregnancy and tumor activity. It is used to confirm pregnancy, screen for chromosomal abnormalities, and identify trophoblastic tumors and germ cell neoplasms in women and men.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone composed of alpha and specific beta subunits. The β subunit is used as a marker for early pregnancy diagnosis, assessment of pregnancy progress, and detection of tumor activity.

hCG is synthesized primarily by the syncytial trophoblast during pregnancy, but can also be produced by some tumor tissues. Normally, β-hCG levels double every 1.5 days during the first 4-6 weeks of gestation, peaking at 10-11 weeks, and then gradually decline.

Elevated β-hCG levels in non-pregnant women and men may indicate the presence of ovarian or testicular germ cell tumors, choriocarcinoma, hydatidiform mole, or other trophoblastic neoplasms. The test is also used to assess the effectiveness of treatment, detect relapses, and as part of a triple test in the second trimester of pregnancy (along with AFP and free estriol) to screen for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.

In pregnant women:

• to confirm pregnancy and assess its progress;
• if a hydatidiform mole, ectopic pregnancy, or multiple pregnancy is suspected;
• in cases of atypical pregnancy: vaginal bleeding, anxiety, swelling, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, weight loss;
• if abnormal formations in the uterus or pelvis are detected during an ultrasound.

After childbirth or abortion – in cases of prolonged bleeding to rule out choriocarcinoma.

In non-pregnant women and men:

• to rule out germ cell tumors of the ovaries or testicles;
• if formations in the testicles are detected by ultrasound;
• as part of a comprehensive examination along with AFP, LDH, CA-125, REA, etc.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: