UW Hospital and Clinics Lab Test Directory
| Test Name: |
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HCG, Quantitative
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| Test Code(s): |
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HCG / BHCG
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| CPT Code(s): |
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84702
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| Methodology: |
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Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
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| Days Performed: |
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Daily, 24 hours.
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| Turnaround Time: |
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Stat: 1 hour.
Routine: 4 hours.
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Specimen Requirements
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| Specimen: |
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Blood
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| Collection Container: |
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Preferred: Green cap with yellow ring (PST)
Also Acceptable:
Green top,
Red cap with yellow ring (SST),
Red top
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| Collection Volume: |
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Preferred: 2 mL
Pediatrics: 0.4 mL
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| Sample Analyzed: |
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Plasma or serum
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| Volume Required: |
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Preferred: 1 mL
Pediatrics: 0.2 mL
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| Specimen Processing: |
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Centrifuge. If a complete barrier has not formed, transfer cell-free plasma/serum to plastic vial. Refrigerate.
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| Specimen Transport: |
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Transport specimen to UWHC Core Laboratory (B4/220). Transport with coolant pack if coming from outreach location.
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| Stability: |
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Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Okay; avoid repeat freeze/thaw cycles
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Interpretation
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Reference Interval:
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| Gestational Age |
mIU/mL |
| 0.2-1 week |
5-50 |
| 1-2 weeks |
50-500 |
| 2-3 weeks |
100-5000 |
| 3-4 weeks |
500-10000 |
| 4-5 weeks |
1000-50000 |
| 5-6 weeks |
10000-100000 |
| 6-8 weeks |
15000-200000 |
| 2-3 months |
10000-100000 |
| Non-pregnant Females |
0.0-3.0 |
| Male adult |
0.0-1.0 |
The concentration of HCG rises rapidly during pregnancy. A maximum level of 5000 to 200,000 mIU/mL is reached at 10-12 weeks, followed by a slow decline to levels of 1000 to 50,000 mIU/mL during the third trimester. A reduced or declining HCG level may indicate an abnormal pregnancy and additional follow-up testing and clinical evaluation should occur.
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| Test Limitations: |
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This test is not intended for aiding in the diagnosis of cancer or for monitoring the treatment of cancer patients.
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| Additional Information: |
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The concentration of HCG rises rapidly during the first weeks of pregnancy, approximately doubling every two days. Low level HCG 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 and other clinical findings. When borderline results are encountered, patient should be redrawn 48 hours later.
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Pregnancy PREG BHCG Beta-HCG beta
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