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Beta hCG, Quantitative
MessageTest performed at York Hospital Laboratory. Order to monitor or test for pregnancy only.
Test Code
BHCG
Alias/See Also
B-hCG
CPT Codes
84702
Preferred Specimen
0.5 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST)
Other Acceptable Specimens
0.5 mL serum collected in a no additive (red-top) tube, transferred to a plastic screw-cap vial 0.5 mL plasma collected in a lithium heparin (green-top) gel separator tube
Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from the cells within 4 hours of collection.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 4 weeks
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 4 weeks
Methodology
Chemiluminescence
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
Next Day
Available STAT 1 Hour
Available STAT 1 Hour
Reference Range
| Range (mIU/mL) | Mean (mIU/mL) | Gestation (weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| 44.7 - 256,740 | 31,142 | 1-10 |
| 11,556 - 265,380 | 55,425 | 11-15 |
| 7,480 - 111,954 | 27,023 | 16-22 |
| 1,531 - 101,566 | 24,031 | 23-40 |
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.
