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Epic Test Code LAB143 Beta-HCG: Quantitative

Performing Location(s)

BMC,CRH,LFH,OCH,FTT,FOX 

Specimen Type

Serum or Plasma

Preferred Container

Gold or Red Top

Alternate Container

Green Top

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

1.0 mL Serum/Plasma

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.  

Storage Requirements

Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection 

Gold tops are stable in original tubes for 7 days DO NOT ALIQUOT

Aliquot Red tops after centrifuging 

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.

 

 

Transportation Needs

 Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements". 

Reasons for Rejection

Mislabeled or Unlabeled Specimen

Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
> 2 days refrigerated
>8 hours room temperature
>48 hrs Frozen
Hemolysis > 500 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 3000 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 40 mg/dL Bili
EDTA,Citrate, NaF, Oxalate

Limitations

Elevated hCG levels have also been associated with trophoblastic disease and nontrophoblastic neoplasms. The possibility of have these diseases should be considered before a diagnosis of pregnancy is made.

 

This test is not intended to be used for aiding in the diagnosis of cancer, or for monitoring the treatment of cancer patients.

 

This test is not for use as a tumor marker. For assay of Beta-HCG as a tumor marker see Reference Laboratory Test Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Quantitative, Serum (LAB752).

 

Patient samples may contain heterophilic antibodies that could react in immunoassays to give falsely elevated or depressed results. A test that is inconsistent in the clinical symptoms and history should be interpreted with caution.

 

If clotting time is increased due to thrombolytic or anticoagulant therapy, the use of plasma specimens will allow for faster sample processing and reduce the risk of particulate matter.

 

Low BHCG values > 25 mIU/mL may be indicative of early pregnancy, but these results should always be evaluated in the context of the clinical situation (date of last menstrual period; pelvic examination). When borderline results are encountered, patient samples should be redrawn 48 hours later.

Reference Values

 

Population  Reference Range  Units 
Adult Males  0-3 mIU/mL
Non-pregnant females, ages 18-40 0-6 mIU/mL
Non-pregnant females, ages >40 0-6 mIU/mL
     
Gestational Age     
0.2-1 week 5-50 mIU/mL
1-2 weeks 50-500 mIU/mL
2-3 weeks 100-5,000 mIU/mL
3-4 weeks 500-10,000 mIU/mL
4-5 weeks 1,000-50,000 mIU/mL
5-6 weeks 10,000-100,000 mIU/mL
6-8 weeks 15,000-200,000 mIU/mL
2-3 months  10,000-100,000 mIU/mL
     
Post-Menopausal females  6-10 mIU/mL

This test should only be used in the assessment of pregnancy. 

Days of Analysis

All

Synonyms

Quantitative Serum Pregnancy Test

Additional Information

This test should only be used for the assessment or pregnancy.

Methodology

Beckman AU/Dx/Access Series

CPT Code

84702

Last Updated

26-OCT-24 MS