Beta-HCG- CSF:
Why Beta HCG (CSF) Test?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a pregnancy hormone. HCG (embryonic hormone) is synthesized during pregnancy by the developing placenta that nourishes the fertilized egg attached to the uterine wall. HCG interacts with LHCG receptor of the ovary and helps in the maintenance of corpus luteum for the maternal recognition of pregnancy. HCG promotes progesterone production by corpus luteal cells, supports angiogenesis in uterine vasculature, etc. HCG can be detected in blood specimens of pregnant women within a span of 11 days of conception (suspected if there is a missed menstrual period). The levels of HCG continue to double every 48 to 72 hours, and their levels peak around 8 to 11 weeks after conception. Beta (β) HCG test is performed in blood and/or a urine specimen to measure quantitative amounts of HCG in the blood to confirm a pregnancy. It can also help in certain conditions such as ectopic pregnancies, along with the progesterone test. HCG test is usually performed to confirm pregnancy, determine the approximate age of the fetus, diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) abnormal pregnancies such as ectopic pregnancy, hydatidiform mole or also called a molar pregnancy (anembryonic pregnancy - abnormal mass forms inside uterus instead of the normal embryo), teratomas, etc, multiple pregnancies such as twins or triplets, potential miscarriage and prenatal screening for Down’s syndrome, etc, cancers (since HCG levels are higher in some kind of tumors) such as lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cancer of the uterus, chorio-carcinoma and non-cancerous conditions such as cirrhosis (liver), ulcers of the stomach and inflammatory bowel disease, In male population higher levels of HCG are present in marijuana smokers, high levels of HCG is indicated in testicular cancers (germ cell tumors), etc. Certain conditions like fertility drugs such as profasi, Pregnyl and/or pergonaletcand /or antibodies if present against HCG molecule, and/or women with severe hormonal change due to any disease/disorder can also give false-positive results (i.e women is non-pregnant yet can get positive for a pregnancy test) for HCG test. HCG levels are useful in monitoring during the prognosis of gestational trophoblastic diseases and/or HCG secreting tumors. Other associated tests are ultrasound around six weeks etc. CSF is a colorless fluid. The function of CSF is to cushion the brain within the skull from physical trauma (protects the brain and spine from injuries) and it also delivers nutrients to the CNS. CSF testing is performed to evaluate the level and concentration of different substances (constituents in normal physiological composition) and their pressure also helps to study certain related pathologies. Moreover, cells in CSF in studied to diagnose conditions affecting the brain and the spinal cord. Hence during any CNS manifestations, aspiration of CSF sample specimen is performed. Abnormally high levels of Beta - HCG (β HCG – CSF) test result in CSF sample specimens of the suspected patient’s help in screening to detect certain malignant germ cell tumors. This test is also performed to monitor the severity of spread and recurrence, moreover, this test plays a key role in prognosis (monitor the response to treatment).
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen - CSF. Test Preparation: None.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
Sample Requirement: CSF Fluid
Test Preparation: None
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RT DIAGNOSTICS provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centers to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
