09/11/2021
"b-HCG is a hormone that forms during pregnancy. Cells in the developing placenta produce this hormone. b-HCG test finds out any abnormality in the foetus and it is also used to confirm a pregnancy. However, it may take time for the HCG levels to increase after pregnancy, so a negative result in the test does not always preclude the possibility of pregnancy. If there is a high possibility of pregnancy, then the b-HCG test takes place twice in a week. This test also diagnoses ectopic pregnancy in which the egg stays in the fallopian tubes, instead of the womb. Moreover, this test monitors the patient’s health and treatment after a miscarriage. This hormone gets particularly low after a miscarriage.
Certain diseases also increase the HCG levels. For instance, tumours secrete HCG, so high HCG levels can be a sign of ovarian cancer, uterus cancer, and lung cancer. Other diseases associated with HCG are cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and ulcers. So, this test functions with other tests to diagnose diseases. For instance, it is used in the diagnosis of testicular cancer, along with other tests. High HCG levels indicate a risk of miscarriage, molar pregnancy, or multiple pregnancy too. Still, habits such as ma*****na use can increase the HCG levels.
There is not always a risk to the developing foetus, if the HCG count measures low. Abnormalities such as proteinuria and haematuria can cause false positives in the results of the b-HCG test.
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