hCG, Total, Quantitative

Test Code

HCGQN

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Heparinized plasma

Transport Container

Serum separator tube (SST)

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cool packs)

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated: 3 days

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule

24/7

Report Available

Same day

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

Reference Range

Male	<5 mIU/mL
Female
Non-pregnant or Premenopausal	<5 mIU/mL
Pregnant	>25 mIU/mL

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.