hCG, Total, Quantitative

Test Code

8396

CPT Codes
84702

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Tues-Sat; Report available: 1-2 days

Limitations

Heterophilic antibodies may produce low false-positive results; urinary hCG is negative if "phantom" hCG is suspected. Pituitary secretion may be a source of low level hCG in post menopausal women

Clinical Significance

hCG may reach detectable limits within 7-10 days of conception. hCG is produced by the placenta and reaches a peak between the 7th and 10th week of gestation. hCG is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta and secreted during normal pregnancy and with pathologic conditions such as hydatidiform mole, choriocarcinoma and testicular neoplasm. Order hCG, Total, Qualitative, Urine, if hCG serum result is inconsistent with clinical presentation.

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.