| Laboratory: | Clinical Biochemistry (POC (Point of Care) TEST) |
| Test Name: |
PREGNANCY TEST - (S)
Test Code:
HCGS
|
| Clinical Information: |
This test is only available to sites that do not have a quantitative serum HCG method.
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:
|
| Specimen Required: |
Serum: 2.0 mL
Specimen Stability: Refrigerated: 48 hours |
| Referral: |
Serum: 2.0 mL
|
| Requisition: | |
| Reference Values: |
Negative: < 25 IU/L
Positive: > 25 IU/L |
| Availability: |
Stat or Routine
|
| See Also: | |
| More Information: |
Interpretation & Assay Interferences: This test reliably detects intact hCG up to 500,000 IU/L.
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. |