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B-hCG Quantitation
Test CodeAlias/See Also
CPT Codes
84702
Preferred Specimen
Green
Minimum Volume
Other Acceptable Specimens
Transport Container
Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube
Transport Temperature
Specimen Stability
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Methodology
Chemiluminescence
Setup Schedule
Daily upon receipt
Report Available
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.