Free Beta HCG Test

Free beta HCG test

It is a simple blood test used to measure free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (also called HCG) hormone levels in blood. HCG is a hormone which is secreted by placenta during pregnancy. It is detected in blood and urine after seven to thirteen Days of implantation of fertilised egg in the uterus. This HCG hormone consists of alpha and beta subunits. Levels of total HCG and alpha subunit of HCG are almost same whereas that of beta subunit is different.

The measurement of levels of free beta subunit of HCG during early pregnancy helps in detection of Down’s syndrome and other foetal aneuploidies (type of chromosomal anomaly). Increase free beta HCG levels along with maternal age, levels of PAPP-A and ultrasonographic determination of nuchal translucency during 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy helps in detection of Down’s syndrome.

Double marker test is a screening test done in early pregnancy (first trimester of pregnancy) which helps in predicting Down’s syndrome and other chromosomal anomalies in foetus. In this test blood levels of free beta HCG and PAPP-A (pregnancy associated plasma protein) in pregnant women and risk of chromosomal anomalies in foetus, is calculated.

Why is free beta HCG test prescribed?

Your health care provider may ask you to undergo this test during pregnancy usually in first trimester to assess the risk of Down’s syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities like trisomy 13 and trisomy 18 in the fetus.it is only a predictive test and confirmatory tests are needed if result comes as moderate or high risk.

Procedure and prerequisites

The sample for free beta hCG test is taken from blood (serum) by inserting a small needle into vein of your arm .A small amount of blood is then collected in test tube or vial. You may feel a little pain due to needle prick. No particular preparation is needed for this test.