FREE BHCG Detail

Free Beta HCG (Free β-hCG) refers to the measurement of the unbound beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood. hCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy by the developing placenta, and its free beta subunit offers more specific diagnostic information compared to total hCG.

Clinical Applications:

🔹 In Pregnancy:

• Used as part of the First Trimester Screening (typically along with PAPP-A and NT scan) to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, especially:

  • Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)

  • Trisomy 18

• Helps confirm early pregnancy and assess its progression

🔹 In Non-Pregnant Individuals:

• Occasionally used to detect hCG-secreting tumors, such as:

  • Germ cell tumors

  • Trophoblastic disease

Normal Range:

• Levels vary based on gestational age during pregnancy

• Non-pregnant individuals should have undetectable or very low levels