What does the Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin test measure?

Why is Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin measured?

Qualitative urine hCG is the standard rapid screening test for pregnancy in clinical settings. A positive result indicates the presence of hCG above the detection threshold and is highly specific for pregnancy in women of reproductive age, though rare false positives occur with heterophile antibodies or hCG-secreting tumours. The test becomes positive around the expected date of menses or shortly thereafter in viable intrauterine pregnancy. Because the result is qualitative it cannot confirm viability, gestational age, or location; practitioners use quantitative serum hCG and ultrasonography for those determinations.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Negative in non-pregnant individuals; positive when urine hCG concentration exceeds the assay detection threshold, typically 20–25 mIU/mL.

Functional medicine optimal

Not applicable; the result is dichotomous and interpreted in clinical context.

Units

Qualitative (positive/negative)

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.