HCG, QUANTITATIVE, SERUM

Test Code

HCG (OE & LAB)

Alias/See Also

Beta hcg
bhcG

CPT Codes
84702

Preferred Specimen

Gold Tube (SST)

Patient Preparation
None

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Green Tube (Lithium Heparin)

Instructions

Centrifuge for complete separation of serum or plasma from red cells.

Transport Container

GOLD Tube

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

2-8°C up to 2 days
15-30°C up to 24 hours (plasma)
15-30°C up to 8 hours (serum)

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

Gross Hemolysis
Gross lipemia
Gross icterus

Methodology
Chemiluminescence

Setup Schedule

DAILY, as received

Report Available

STAT: <60 minutes
Routine: <4 hours

Reference Range

Males: <0.5 - 2.67 mIU/mL
Non-pregnant Females: <0.5 - 4.90 mIU/mL

Pregnant Females:

Negative <0.5 mIU/mL
Indeterminant 5 - 25 mIU/mL
Positive >25 mIU/mL

Estimation of Gestational Age

Weeks from LMP	ßhCG mIU/mL
3	5 - 50
4	5 - 426
5	18 - 7,340
6	1,080 - 56,500
7-8	7,650 - 229,000
9-12	25,700 - 288,000
13-16	13,300 - 254,000
17-24	4,060 - 165,400
25-40	3,440 - 117,000

The ranges in the table above have not been validated by the testing lab or assay manufacturer, but are provided solely as an estimate of gestational age. ßhCG levels can vary widely between pregnant women; therefore results should be used in conjunction with other methods (i.e. ultrasound, LMP) for determining gestational age. For assessment of gestational viability, serial testing is advised rather than a single measurement.

Clinical Significance

HCG appears in the blood and urine of pregnant women as early as 10 days after conception. Quantitative blood HCG measurement helps determine the exact age of the fetus. It can also diagnose abnormal pregnancies, such as ectopic pregnancies, molar pregnancies, and possible miscarriages. This test is also done to diagnose abnormal conditions not related to pregnancy that can raise HCG level

Performing Laboratory
Mount Sinai Hospital
Holy Cross Hospital

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.