B-hCG Quantitation

Test Code

BHCG

Alias/See Also

Beta-human Chorionic Gonadotropin Quantitation

CPT Codes
84702

Preferred Specimen

Green

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Container

Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 1 day; Refrigerated - 5 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Turbidity, Quantity not Sufficient, IV contamination,

Methodology
Chemiluminescence

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Reference Range

For determination of pregnancy:
Approximate Gestation Age:

1 - 3 Months      4,700 - 129,000 mIU/mL
2nd Trimester    8,200 - 147,200 mIU/mL
3rd Trimester     2,320 - 91,800 mIU/mL

Values less than 25 mIU/mL are indeterminant. Repeat in 48 hours to confirm pregnancy.

Clinical Significance

The detection of hCG in urine or blood within 3–4 weeks of the last menstrual period is the most reliable indicator for the confirmation of pregnancy. hCG is initially secreted by the trophoblast, and later by the chorion and placenta. Levels rise exponentially to a peak during the first trimester, declining to a plateau during the second and third trimesters. Measurement of hCG has also been applied in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, threatened abortion, and multiple gestation.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.