URINE PREGNANCY TEST

Message

The QuPid Plus testing device can detect 20mlU/mL in urine specimens accurately and consistently. In normal pregnancies, hCG levels can reach 20mlU/mL 2 to 3 days before the first missed menstrual period. hCG levels peak around 8 weeks after the last menstrual period and then decline to lower values during the remainder of pregnancy. Following delivery, hCG levels rapidly decrease and usually return to normal within days after parturition.

Test Code

UPGT

Preferred Specimen

RANDOM URINE

Limitations

Other conditions such as trophoblastic disease and other non-trophoblastic neoplasms cause elevated levels of hCG. These diagnoses should be considered if appropriate to clinical evidence.
Normal pregnancy cannot be distinguished from an ectopic pregnancy based on hCG levels alone. Spontaneous miscarriage can also cause confusion in interpreting assay results.
Specimens from patients who have received preparations of mouse antibodies for diagnosis or therapy may contain human anti-mouse antibodies. These specimens may demonstrate either false positive or false negative results when tested with assays which employ mouse monoclonal antibodies.
hCG levels may remain detectable for several weeks after normal delivery, delivery by C-section, spontaneous abortion, theraputic abortion, or hCG injections.
Postive results from early pregnancy may later prove negative due to natural termination of the pregnancy. This is estimated to occur in 22% of clinically unrecognized pregnancies and 31% of pregnancies overall. It is therefore recommended that weak positive results be retested 48-72 hours later.
If a urine specimen is too dilute it may not contain representative amounts of hCG. If pregnancy is still suspected, a first morning urine should be obtained 48-72 hours later.
High urine hCG levels may occur in patients suffering from chorionic epithelioma or hydatid mole. In these cases a false positive may occur.
Excretion of hCG is often decreased in extra uterine pregnancy, toxemia of pregnancy, or threatened abortion. Such circumstances can yield false negative results.

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.