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HelpTest Code HCG-TM HCG, Tumor Marker, Serum
Useful For
Used to monitor patients for retained products of conception. This test also aids in the diagnosis and management of gestational trophoblastic disease, teratomas, testicular tumors, ovarian germ cell tumors and other hCG-secreting tumors. It is not intended for use to detect or monitor pregnancy.
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) | Red Top Tube (RTT), Lithium-heparin Plasma Separator Tube (PST), Sodium-heparin Green Top Tube (GTT) | 0.5 mL | 0.4 mL | 0.3 mL |
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum/Plasma | Ambient | 8 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days | |
| Frozen | >7 days |
Test Information
Test measures native intact-HCG and free beta-HCG subunits (Total beta-HCG). Method is identical to that used for quantitative serum pregnancy testing (HCG-Pregnancy). CSF cannot be tested by this method and should be sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories (CSF must be frozen).
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.
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 |
|---|---|
| Marshfield | Non-pregnant females: 0-6 mIU/mL Males: 0-2 mIU/mL |
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Chemistry
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshfield | Monday through Friday | Less than 2 hours | Two-Site Sandwich Assay, BCI DxI |
CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84702 |
Outreach CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84702 |
Ordering Applications
| Ordering Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Cerner | HCG, Tumor Marker |