| Laboratory: | Clinical Biochemistry | ||||||||||||||||||
| Test Name: |
HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (HCG) - (P)
Test Code:
HCGQ
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| Clinical Information: |
Test Indications: HCG is produced by the placenta and serves to maintain the corpus luteum during early pregnancy and to influence steroid production. In pregnancy, plasma contains mainly intact HCG which is detectable as early as 1 week after conception. Values in pregnancy should double every 2 to 3 days for the first 6 weeks.
HCG can also be produced by trophoblastic tumors, germ cell tumors, and some non-trophoblastic tumors. Only assays that measure whole molecule HCG as well as the free beta subunit are suitable for use as a tumor marker and monitoring of trophoblastic disease. This test detects the free beta subunit as well as the intact HCG molecule. It is therefore suitable for both the diagnosis and monitoring of malignancy and pregnancy. Patient Preparation Instructions: Multivitamins (45–125 µg biotin) or biotin-only supplements up to 1 mg per day do not interfere with this test. Samples should not be taken from patients receiving therapy with high biotin doses (i.e. >5 mg/day) until at least 8 hours after the last dose. Additional Information: The test method used is an Electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA) assay manufactured by Roche Diagnostics Inc. and performed on the Cobas Elecsys system. Patient results determined by different assay manufacturers or methods are not comparable and cannot be used interchangeably for patient monitoring. |
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| Collection Devices: |
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| Specimen Required: |
Plasma: 2.0 mL
Specimen Stability: Refrigerated: 14 days Frozen: 1 year |
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| Referral: |
Serum: 2.0 mL
Samples must be transferred to an aliquot tube and stored frozen if analysis will not be complete within 48 hours (#110-10-05 Serum / Plasma Separation Procedure & Transport)
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| Reference Values: |
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| Availability: |
Stat or Routine
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| More Information: |