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Test Code LAB143 Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Quantitative,Plasma or Serum

Reporting Title

Beta-hCG, Quant, Plasma or Serum

Methodology

Roche Diagnostics, Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay  RMH, GMC, DH, DMH, GMH, WECC, PMH, GCMH, BH, OBH, MGH, MH, HMH, SH

Note:  Test detects intact hCG, holo-hormone “nicked” form of hCG, beta-core fragment, and free beta-subunit.

This test is intended for early detection of pregnancy. It is decreased with ectopic pregnancy, threatened abortion, and intrauterine death. 

Elevated levels can also be found with various tumors (germ-cell, ovaries, liver, lung, stomach, bladder, and pancreas) and hydatiform mole.  Order LAB93674 Beta HCG Tumor Marker, if tumor is suspected.

 

Performing Laboratory

OhioHealth Laboratory Services-RMH,GMC, DH, DMH, MGH, GMH, HMH, OBH, MH, SH,GCMH, BH, PMH, WECC Core Laboratories

Specimen Requirements

Due to interference, patients receiving high doses of biotin (>5 mg/day) should wait at least 8 hours after dose before having blood drawn.

 

Collection Instructions:

1. Serum and Plasma gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.

2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.

 

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Preferred:

Plasma

Draw blood in a mint green-top (heparin) gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of heparinized plasma refrigerated.

Note:  1. Indicate plasma on request form.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

 

Alternate:

Serum

Draw blood in a gold-top serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated.
Note:

1. A speckled-top serum gel tube (s) or a plain, red-top tube(s) is also acceptable.

2. Indicate serum on request form.

3. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

 

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum or plasma Refrigerated 14 days
  Ambient  5 days
  Frozen  12 months

 

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerate/Ambient OK/Frozen NO

Reference Values

hCG ≥25 mIU/mL is considered diagnostic of a viable pregnancy.

Males and nonpregnant females:  < 5 mIU/mL

Females during normal pregnancy

3-4 weeks:  9-130 mIU/mL

4-5 weeks:  75-2,600 mIU/mL

5-6 weeks:  850-20,800 mIU/mL

6-7 weeks:  4,000-100,200 mIU/mL

7-12 weeks:  11,500-289,000 mIU/mL
12-16 weeks:  18,300-137,000 mIU/mL

16-29 weeks:  1,400-53,000 mIU/mL

29-41 weeks:  940-60,000 mIU/mL

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Test Classification and CPT Coding

84702