Specimen Preparation: Serum specimens must sit for 15-20 minutes for proper clot formation and to assure the absence of fibrin in the serum, which can interfere with this test. Separate serum from cells within 24 hours of collection. Transfer 2 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)
Storage/Transport Temperature: Frozen.
Remarks: This test is not appropriate for tumor marker studies and should not be performed on males.
Unacceptable Conditions: Specimens exposed to repeated freeze/thaw cycles. Test ordered for tumor markers or on males.
Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 1 year
Reference Interval:
Female: Less than 5 IU/L
Note:
This assay measures free Beta subunits plus intact Beta-hCG.
For tumor marker testing, order Beta-hCG, Serum Quantitative (Tumor Marker) (0070029).
CPT Code(s):
84702
Cross References:
hCG (Beta-hCG, Serum Quantitative), Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Beta-hCG, Serum Quantitative)
