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Epic Test Code LAB144 Pregnancy Serum Qualitative

Important Note

This is a Lab Orderable code only.

Performing Location(s)

BMC,CRH,LFH,OCH,FTT,FOX

Specimen Type

Serum

Preferred Container

Gold

Alternate Container

Red top

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

1 mL Serum

Storage Requirements

Serum specimens may be stored for 48 hours at 2-8° C or <8 hours room temperature. For longer storage freeze below -20° Celsius

Transportation Needs

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

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
>1000 mg/dl Hemolysis
Insufficient sample for assay (<100 µL or < 3 drops)

Serum > 48 hours refrigerated

Serum > 8 hours room temperature

Tube < 50% filled

Limitations

 While pregnancy is the most likely reason for the presence of hCG in serum and urine, other conditions may be associated with detectable hCG, i.e., ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy or patients with trophoblastic and nontrophoblastic disease.  Early pregnancy associated with low levels of hCG may not be detected with this kit. If pregnancy is suspected, consider ordering a serum quantitative hCG or re-collect in 48 hours. hCG may remain detectable a few days to several weeks after delivery, abortion, natural termination or hCG injections.

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

 

This test will detect serum concentrations of hCG as low as 10 mIU/mL. If levels below this sensitivity are required or, if an actual quantitative result is needed see “Beta-hCG: Quantitative”.

 

Patients receiving preparations of monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis or therapy: Interference with the test could be caused by the presence of human anti-mouse (HAMA) antibodies in the serum/plasma sample. This may cause an invalid result

 

 

Reference Values

Population Units Reference Range
All Populations none Negative

 

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

Yes

Additional Information

The order code PREGR is available for providers who request that a BHCG be performed on a serum sample, if the qualitative serum PREG is positive.

Methodology

Rapid monoclonal and polyclonal chromatographic immunoassay

CPT Code

84703, 84702 (if BHCG reflexively ordered)

Last Updated

18-Mar-22 KT