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Test Code hCG Quant hCG Quantitative Blood

Important Note

This orderable is not for testing specimens for male patients.

If testing for gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), testicular tumors, ovarian germ cell tumors, teratomas, and, rarely, other human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-secreting tumors is required refer to Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Quantitative, Serum

Additional Codes

Cerner

NextGen

HCG Quantitative Serum

HCG Quantitative Serum

HCG Quantitative Blood

 

Alternate Name(s)

β-hCG

Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Quantitative Pregnancy

Methodology

Immunometric (Chemiluminescence)

Patient Preparation

None

Collection Instructions

Standard phlebotomy practices.

Specimen Requirements

Container

Specimen Type

Tube

Lithium Heparin Plasma

PST

 or  or 

Serum

 or 

SST

 or  or 

Stability

Storage

Temperature

Stability

Room Temperature

18-28°C

Not recommended

Refrigerated

 2-8°C

≤ 5 days

Frozen

≤-20 °C

4 weeks

Thaw 1 time only

Rejection Criteria

Gross Hemolysis

Result Reporting and Reference Values

Reported in Units/L

Most Likely Not Pregnant (Negative)

0 - 5

Pregnant (Positive)

≥ 25

    

Approximate Gestational Age in weeks.

Approximate hCG Range

Non Pregnant female

<5.0

1-10

64 - 150,854

11-15

11,795 - 151,996

16-22

9,384 - 61,410

23-40

1,737 - 98,576

Reflex Testing

None

Limitations

  • Ortho reports a bias with the following:
    • Biotin can cause a negative bias
  • Ortho reports no significant effect with the following:
    • Bilirubin up to 20 mg/dL
    • Hemoglobin up to 500 mg/dL
  • The following interpretive data is visible to the practitioner:
    • Levels less than 25 units/L do not exclude pregnancy. A further sample should be tested after 48 hours if pregnancy is suspected

Useful For

The detection of hCG in urine or blood within 3-4 weeks of the last menstrual period is the most reliable indicator for the confirmation of pregnancy. β-hCG is initially secreted by the trophoblast, and later by the chorion and placenta.  Levels rise exponentially to a peak during the first trimester, declining to a plateau during the second and third trimesters.  Measurement of hCG has also been applied in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, threatened abortion, and multiple gestation.