Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Quantitative, Serum
Use
This test is useful for monitoring patients for retained products of conception, aiding in the diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), testicular tumors, ovarian germ cell tumors, teratomas, and other human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-secreting tumors. It is used for serial measurement of hCG following treatment for monitoring therapeutic response in GTD or hCG-secreting tumors and detecting persistent or recurrent GTD or hCG-secreting tumors. The test is not intended to detect or monitor pregnancy.
Special Instructions
If human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during pregnancy is indicated, order THCG / Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Quantitative, Pregnancy, Serum. If hCG testing is requested on cerebrospinal fluid specimens to aid in the diagnosis of brain metastases of testicular cancer or extragonadal intracerebral germ cell tumors, order BHSF / Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Quantitative, Spinal Fluid. For 12 hours before specimen collection, the patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements (e.g., hair, skin, and nail supplements) containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Limitations
Different human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) assays indicate only modest agreements with each other, thus the same assay should be used for all measurements. Transient elevations of serum hCG can appear following chemotherapy due to tumor cell lysis and should not be confused with tumor progression. Normal serum levels of hCG do not always exclude tumor persistence as tumors may progress to differentiated teratomas, which may not produce hCG. Despite attempts to standardize and immunometric assays being robust against heterophile antibody interference, occasional false-positive results may necessitate repeat testing with additional blocking treatment for resolution.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 21198-7
- 21198-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.75 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
For 12 hours before specimen collection, patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements (eg, hair, skin, and nail supplements) containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |