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Test Code 225 Beta-hCG Quantitative, Serum

Important Note

Human anti-mouse antibodies (hama) may be present in samples from patients who have received immunotherapy or diagnostic procedures utilizing monoclonal antibodies or in individuals who have been regularly exposed to animals. Additionally, other heterophile antibodies, such as human anti-goat antibodies may be present in patient samples. Manufacturers formulate assays to minimize the effects of these antibodies; however careful evaluation of patient results must be done when patients are known to have such antibodies.

Additional Codes

ALAB: HCGQN

PowerChart: HCG Quantitative

MA Cerner: HcG B QT.

Test Method

MercyOne: Immunoenzymatic ("Sandwich") Immunoassay; Beckman

MA: Immunoenzymatic ("Sandwich") Method; Roche Cobas 6000

Specimen Requirement

MercyOne: 0.5 mL serum or plasma is required.

MA: 40 mcL serum or plasma is required.

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Collect blood in a lithium heparin, green-top or red-top tube. PST and SST (gel tubes) are acceptable. Serum or plasma should be separated from contact with the cells within 2 hours of collection. Specimens not centrifuged within 4 hours of collection may be rejected. Refrigerate the specimen if unable to assay within 8 hours of collection.

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine orders: Typically completed within 4 hours after specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT orders: Typically completed within 1 hour after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Reference Values

Female:

  • Nonpregnant: < 3 mIU/mL 

    hCG results between 5 mIU/mL  and 25 mIU/mL  may be indicative of early pregnancy but should be interpreted in light of the total clinical presentation of the patient.
     
  • Pregnant:
    wk 1:<50  mIU/mL
    wk 2:<500  mIU/mL
    wk 3:<5,000  mIU/mL
    wk 4:<10,000  mIU/mL
    wk 5:<50,000  mIU/mL
    wk 6:<100,000  mIU/mL
    wk 8:<200,000  mIU/mL 
    wk 12:<100,000  mIU/mL
    Post Partum: Negative within 2 weeks
     
  • Healthy non-pregnant peri and post-menopausal females may have hCG values up to 10 mIU/mL

Males: <3 mIU/mL

CPT Code Information

84702 Other Unlisted Chemistry Tests: Gonadotropin, chorionic (hCG); quantitative

Useful For

Monitoring patients for retained products of conception.

Aid in the diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), testicular tumors, ovarian germ cell tumors, teratomas, and, rarely, other human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-secreting tumors

 

Serial measurement of hCG following treatment to:

-Monitor therapeutic response in GTD or in hCG-secreting tumors

-Detect persistent or recurrent GTD or hCG-secreting tumors

 

LOINC Code Information

21198-7 Choriogonadotropin.Beta Subunit [Units/Volume] In Serum Or Plasma

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