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Test Code HCGQ Beta-HCG, Quantitative

EHR Test Codes

  Test Code Test Name
Atlas HCGQ HCG, Quantitative
Cerner HCGQ Beta-HCG Quantitative

Specimen Requirements

Preparation of Patient: 

None

 

Container Type: 

Green Top 5mL Lithium Heparin Separator Tube

Or

 

Gold Top 6mL SST Gel & Clot Activator Tube

Specimen Type:

Plasma or Serum

 

Specimen Volume: 

2.5 mL Plasma or Serum minimum .5 mL

 

Specimen Handling/Transport:

Separate plasma or serum from cells within 2 hours of collection.

Transport ambient room temperature.

 

Specimen Stability/Storage:

2 days refrigerated 2-8°C

Performing Laboratory

Munson Healthcare Laboratories

Chemistry Department

Priority, Frequency, & Turnaround

Priority:

STAT, ASAP, Non-Emergent

 

Frequency:

24 hours 7 days a week

 

Turnaround:

0 - 1 days

STAT 60 minute from receipt in lab

Methodology

Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

Reporting

Reference Range:

Female:

0 years to 17 years 0 - 4.9 mIU/mL
17 years to 40 years 0 - 0.6 mIU/mL
40 years and up 0.6 - 3.1 mIU/mL

Male:

0 years and up 0 - 0.6 mIU/mL

 

Interpretive Data:

Testing performed by chemiluminescence on a Beckman Coulter DXI/Access platform. Results may not be comparable with tests performed on other manufacturer's methods or platforms.

 

Critical Decision: 

None

Clinical Significance

With the availability of sensitive quantitative assays for the measurement of serum ß-hCG, it has been shown that hCG levels can be useful in predicting spontaneous abortions, aiding in detection of ectopic pregnancy and multiple gestation. Elevated levels of hCG have also been detected in serum from patients with abnormal physiological conditions not related to pregnancy. ß-hCG is secreted by the placenta or its precursor. The concentration of ß-hCG rises rapidly during the first trimester of pregnancy and declines throughout the remainder. Elevated values may also be seen in cancers of the stomach, pancreas, lung, colon, and liver. Elevated hCG levels may be present due to tumors including ovarian and testicular cancer and hydatidiform mole.

CPT Code(s)

84702