β-hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after fertilization.

Levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy, making it a reliable marker.

Clinical uses include:

Confirming and monitoring pregnancy.

Detecting ectopic pregnancy or risk of miscarriage.

Monitoring gestational trophoblastic disease (e.g., molar pregnancy, choriocarcinoma).

Serving as a tumor marker in certain cancers (testicular, ovarian, trophoblastic tumors).

The test is performed using a blood sample (quantitative) or urine sample (qualitative).

Analyte: β-hCG hormone concentration.

Normal Range (non-pregnant): < 5 mIU/mL (varies slightly by lab).

Pregnancy Reference: Levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy, doubling approximately every 48–72 hours.

Abnormal Findings:

Low or slow-rising β-hCG: May indicate ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

Excessively high β-hCG: May suggest molar pregnancy or certain tumors.

Clinical Use:

Provides a sensitive marker for pregnancy detection.

Helps monitor pregnancy viability and complications.

Serves as a tumor marker in oncology practice.