Home
HelpTest ID THCG Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Quantitative, Pregnancy, Serum
Ordering 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.
Secondary ID
80678Useful 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
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 72 hours | |
| Frozen | 365 days |
Clinical Information
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone that consists of 2 subunits (alpha and beta chains) that are associated to comprise the intact hormone. The alpha subunit is similar to those of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and thyrotropin (formerly thyroid-stimulating hormone). The beta subunit of hCG differs from other pituitary glycoprotein hormones, which results in its unique biochemical and immunological properties. This method quantitates the sum of intact hCG plus the beta subunit.
hCG is produced in the placenta during pregnancy. In nonpregnant individuals, it can also be produced by tumors of the trophoblast, germ cell tumors with trophoblastic components, and some nontrophoblastic tumors. The biological action of hCG serves to maintain the corpus luteum during pregnancy. It also influences steroid production. The serum in pregnant individuals contains mainly intact hCG. Measurement of the hCG concentration permits the diagnosis of pregnancy as early as 1 week after conception.
Reference Values
Negative: <5 IU/L
Cautions
False elevations (called phantom human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG]) may occur with patients who have human anti-animal or heterophilic antibodies.
Some specimens may not dilute linearly due to abnormal forms of hCG.
Elevated hCG concentrations not associated with pregnancy are found in patients with other diseases such as tumors of the germ cells, ovaries, bladder, pancreas, stomach, lungs, and liver. However, this test is not intended for the detection of or to monitor for tumors or gestational trophoblastic disease.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
84702