| Laboratory: | Clinical Biochemistry (POC (Point of Care) TEST) |
| Test Name: |
PREGNANCY TEST - (U)
Test Code:
PREG
|
| Clinical Information: |
This test is NOT available at St. Boniface General Hospital.
Description: HCG is produced by the placenta and serves to maintain the corpus luteum during early pregnancy and to influence steroid production. Test Indications: This is a qualitative test for detection of pregnancy and is reported as Negative or Positive. This test is not useful for detecting or monitoring tumors or gestational trophoblastic disease. |
| Collection Devices: |
Preferred Device:
1 - Urine Collection Container, Random 100 mL
Urine Collection Container, Random 100 mL Manufacturer: Starplex Scientific Inc. (Etobicoke, ON) Catalogue #: 3008-1 |
| Specimen Required: |
Urine: 5.0 mL
Special Processing: A urine sample must be collected in a clean and dry container. A first morning urine sample is preferred since it generally contains the highest concentration of hCG; however, urine samples collected at any time of the day may be used. Urine samples exhibiting visible precipitates should be centrifuged, filtered, or allowed to settle to obtain a clear sample for testing. Specimen Stability: Refrigerated: 48 hours |
| Referral: |
Urine: 5.0 mL
|
| Requisition: | |
| Reference Values: |
Negative: < 25 IU/L
Positive: > 25 IU/L |
| Availability: |
Stat or Routine
|
| See Also: | |
| More Information: |
Interpretation & Assay Interferences: False negative results may occur when the levels of hCG are below the sensitivity level of the test. When pregnancy is still suspected, a first morning urine or serum sample should be collected 24 hours later and retested.
A number of conditions other than pregnancy, including trophoblastic disease and certain non-trophoblastic neoplasms including testicular tumors, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer, cause elevated levels of hCG. Other causes of elevated hCG should be considered if pregnancy doesn’t fit with the clinical picture. |