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Test Code BHCG Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Quantitative, Serum

Reporting Name

Beta-HCG, Quantitative, S

Useful For

Monitoring patients for retained products of conception

 

Aiding in the diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), testicular tumors, ovarian germ cell tumors, teratomas, and, rarely, other human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-secreting tumors

 

Serial measurement of hCG following treatment for:

-Monitoring therapeutic response in GTD or in hCG-secreting tumors

-Detecting persistent or recurrent GTD or hCG-secreting tumors

 

This test is not intended to detect or monitor pregnancy.

Method Name

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Ordering Guidance


If human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during pregnancy is indicated, order THCG / Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Quantitative, Pregnancy, Serum.

 

If hCG testing requested on cerebrospinal fluid specimens to aid in the diagnosis of brain metastases of testicular cancer or extragonadal intracerebral germ cell tumors, order BHSF / Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Quantitative, Spinal Fluid.



Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection, patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements (eg, hair, skin, and nail supplements) containing biotin (vitamin B7).

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.75 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  90 days
  Ambient  7 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK

Reference Values

Children(1,2)

Males

Birth-3 months: ≤50 IU/L*

>3 months-<18 years: <1.4 IU/L

Females

Birth-3 months: ≤50 IU/L*

>3 months-<18 years: <1.0 IU/L

 

*Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), produced in the placenta, partially passes the placental barrier. Newborn serum beta-hCG concentrations are approximately 1/400th of the corresponding maternal serum concentrations, resulting in neonate beta-hCG levels of 10-50 IU/L at birth. Clearance half-life is approximately 2 to 3 days. Therefore, by 3 months of age, levels comparable to adults should be reached.

 

Adults (97.5th percentile)

Males: <1.4 IU/L

Females

Premenopausal, nonpregnant: <1.0 IU/L

Postmenopausal: <7.0 IU/L

 

Pediatric reference values based on:

1. Chen RJ, Huang SC, Chow SN, Hsieh CY. Human chorionic gonadotropin pattern in maternal circulation. Amniotic fluid and fetal circulation in late pregnancy. J Reprod Med. 1993;38(2):151-154

2. Schneider DT, Calaminus G, Göbel U. Diagnostic value of alpha 1-fetoprotein and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in infancy and childhood. Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2001;18(1):11-26

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

CPT Code Information

84702

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
BHCG Beta-HCG, Quantitative, S 21198-7

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
BHCG Beta-HCG, Quantitative, S 21198-7

Test Classification

This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Report Available

1 to 3 days

NY State Approved

Yes

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.