Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Quantitative Serum

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Quantitative Serum

Alternate Test Name

Hcg + Beta
Quantitative hCG
Total hCG

Epic Mnemonic
Sunquest Mnemonic

LAB143
HCG

Category

Chemistry

Methodology

Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay

Test Performance Schedule

Sunday - Saturday

Result Availability

Within 24 hours – STAT upon request

Container

Gold top (SST), Red top (serum), or Green top (lithium heparin) tube

Volume

Pref. Vol.: 1.0 mL serum or plasma
Min. Vol.: 0.5 mL serum or plasma

Collection Instructions

• Routine venipuncture
• Immediately after collection, gently invert tube 5-10 times
• Clot 30 minutes
• Promptly centrifuge 10 minutes
• If no gel barrier is present immediately transfer serum or plasma to a plastic tube and refrigerate
• Properly centrifuged gel barrier tube does not require transfer of serum or plasma to separate tube

Transportation Instructions

Refrigerated

Stability

• Refrigerated: 3 days

• Frozen: 12 months

Remarks

This assay is intended for use especially in the early detection of pregnancy.

This assay is not intended for use as a tumor marker assay.

Biotin, also referred to as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, can interfere with this test when taken in mega doses of 5mg (5000 mcg) or more. It is often promoted as a skin and hair beauty aid. Please ask your patients to refrain from taking Biotin or supplements containing Biotin for at least 24 hours before collecting specimens for lab testing.

https://biotinfacts.roche.com/

https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/safety/alertsandnotices/ucm586505.htm

CPT Codes

84702

Effective/Revised

7/8/2020

Similarly to LH, FSH and TSH, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a member of the glycoprotein family and consists of 2 subunits (alpha- and beta- chains) which are associated to the intact hormone. The alpha-chains in all four of these glycoprotein hormones are virtually identical, whereas the beta-chains have greatly differing structures and are responsible for the respective specific hormonal functions.

HCG is produced in the placenta during pregnancy. In non-pregnant women, it can also be produced by tumors of the trophoblast, germ cell tumors with trophoblastic components and some non-trophoblastic tumors. Human chorionic gonadotropin consists of a number of isohormones with differing molecular size. The biological action of hCG serves to maintain the corpus luteum during pregnancy. It also influences steroid production. The serum of pregnant women contains mainly intact hCG. Measurement of the

hCG concentration permits the diagnosis of pregnancy just one week after conception. The determination of hCG in the 1st trimester of pregnancy is of particular importance. Elevated values here serve as an indication of chorionic carcinoma, hydatiform mole or multiple pregnancy. Depressed values indicate threatening or missed abortion, ectopic pregnancy, gestosis or intra-uterine death.

Elevated hCG concentrations not associated with pregnancy are found in patients with other diseases such as tumors of the germ cells, ovaries, bladder, pancreas, stomach, lungs, and liver