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HelpTest Code HCG-QNT HCG, Total, Quantitative
Useful For
Used for early detection of pregnancy, monitoring in vitro fertilization patients or for the investigation of suspected ectopic pregnancy or other pregnancy-related complications. This test is not useful for detecting and/or monitoring tumors or gestational trophoblastic disease. It should also not be performed on male patients.
Synonyms/Keywords
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, HCG, Serum, Quantitative, HCG-Pregnancy, Quantitative
Specimen Requirements
| Fasting Required | Specimen Type |
Preferred Container/Tube | Acceptable Container/Tube | Specimen Volume | Specimen Minimum Volume (allows for 1 repeat) |
Pediatric Minimum Volume (no repeat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Serum or Plasma | Serum Separator Tube (SST), Lithium-heparin Plasma Separator Tube (PST) | Red Top Tube (RTT), Sodium-heparin Green Top Tube (GTT) | 0.5 mL | 0.4 mL | 0.3 mL |
Collection/Processing Instructions
Samples must be removed from clot within one hour for storage or transport. Samples collected in gel barrier tubes must be removed from the primary tube prior to transporting to Marshfield. Do not send the primary collection tube.
For plasma samples only:
- Sites with centrifuges capable of reaching a speed of 4,400g can centrifuge the collection tube for 3 minutes.
- Sites with standard centrifugation must centrifuge the collection tube for 10 minutes at 1900g.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum/Plasma | Ambient | 8 hours |
| Refrigerated | 5 days | |
| Frozen | >5 days |
Interferences
Human Anti-Murine Antibodies (HAMA) may develop leading to test interference in patients receiving murine-based agents for chemotherapy or tumor-imaging studies. Fluorescein will interfere; specimens should not be drawn for 48 hours following fluorescein angiography for diabetic retinopathy.
For testing performed at The Weston Center: High doses of exogenous biotin (also termed Vitamin B7, Vitamin H or Coenzyme R) may interfere with this assay. It is recommended that patients refrain from consuming any multivitamin or supplement containing biotin for at least 72 hours prior to collection of a blood sample.
Interpretations
Persistent elevations (10-100 mIU/mL) of HCG in females for weeks or months could reflect an interfering substance. HCG assessment in urine or with an alternative serum assay (contact Lab) is recommended in these situations.
Reference Range Information
| Performing Location | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| All Performing Sites |
Males: 0-2 mIU/mL Females-Non pregnant: 0-6 mIU/mL Females-Pregnant: ≥25 mIU/mL |
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Chemistry
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver Dam | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Two-Step immunoenzymatic assay/Beckman access2/DXI |
| Weston | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Two-Step immunoenzymatic assay/Beckman access2/DXI |
| Eau Claire | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Two-Step immunoenzymatic assay/Beckman access2/DXI |
| Park Falls | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Two-Step immunoenzymatic assay/Beckman access2/DXI |
| Ladysmith | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Two-Step immunoenzymatic assay/Beckman access2/DXI |
| Rice Lake | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Two-Step immunoenzymatic assay/Beckman access2/DXI |
| Marshfield | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Two-site Sandwich Immunoassay using Direct Chemiluminometric Technology/Siemens Centaur |
| Minocqua | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Two-Step immunoenzymatic assay/Beckman access2/DXI |
| Neillsville | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Two-Step immunoenzymatic assay/Beckman access2/DXI |
| Stevens Point | Monday through Friday | Less than 2 hours | Two-Step immunoenzymatic assay/Beckman access2/DXI |
| Wisconsin Rapids | Monday through Friday | Less than 2 hours | Two-Step Sandwich Enzyme Immunoassay/Siemens Dimension |
CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84702 | 1 |
Outreach CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84702 | 1 |
Ordering Applications
| Ordering Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Cerner | Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Quantitative |