hCG, Total, Quantitative

Test Code

8396

CPT Codes
84702

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Instructions

For hCG with Gestational Table for hCG total and gestational values, please use Test Code 19485X

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

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

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: Next 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
Postmenopausal	<10 mIU/mL

Values from different assay methods may vary. The use of this assay to monitor or to diagnose patients with cancer or any condition unrelated to pregnancy has not been cleared or approved by the FDA or the manufacturer of the assay.

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.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153

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.