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HelpTest ID THCG Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Quantitative, Pregnancy, Serum
Useful For
Early detection of pregnancy
Investigation of suspected ectopic pregnancy or other pregnancy-related complications
Monitoring in vitro fertilization patients
This test is not useful for detecting or monitoring tumors or gestational trophoblastic disease.
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay
Reporting Name
HCG, Quantitative, Pregnancy, SSpecimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
For use as a tumor marker (eg, testicular cancer patients), see BHCG / Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Quantitative, Serum.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 72 hours | |
| Frozen | 365 days |
Reference Values
Negative: <5 IU/L
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
84702
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| THCG | HCG, Quantitative, Pregnancy, S | 83086-9 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| THCG | HCG, Quantitative, Pregnancy, S | 83086-9 |