hCG (Beta hCG)
Code:
HCG
Sample Type:
Serum (Gold Top)
Minimum volume: 1 mL
Ref Ranges/Units:
Female:
Non-pregnant, pre-menopausal 0-5 IU/L
Non-pregnant, post-menopausal 0-8 IU/L
Male: 0-3 IU/L
Turnaround:
Same Day (60 minutes from receipt for Urgent Samples).
Stability:
5 days at 20‑25°C
14 days at 2‑8°C
12 months at ‑20°C
Freeze only once.
Special Precautions/Comments:
Additional Information:
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by trophoblast cells of the placenta during pregnancy. HCG is formed of an alpha subunit, which is identical to that of luteinising hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and a beta-subunit specific to hCG.
Measurement of hCG is used in the early detection and monitoring of pregnancy. It is also used as part of the screening for trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) in the second trimester of pregnancy. HCG can also be measured in the investigation of gestational trophoblastic disease or germ cell tumours (hCG-secreting tumours of ovarian, placental or testicular origin).
South of Tyne & Wear Pathology Centre
