ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Beta-hCG, Quantitative (Tumor Marker) : 0070029

Mnemonic: BHCG TM

Methodology: Quantitative Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube. Also acceptable: Lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA), or green (sodium or lithium heparin).

Specimen Preparation: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.4 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: CSF (refer to Beta-hCG, Quantitative (Tumor Marker) CSF, ARUP test code 0020730). Specimens left to clot at 2-8°C or specimens subjected to repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 1 year

Reference Interval:
Male: 0-3 IU/L
Female: 0-5 IU/L
Interpretive Data: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a valuable aid in the management of patients with trophoblastic tumors, nonseminomatous testicular tumors, and seminomas when used in conjunction with information available from the clinical evaluation and other diagnostic procedures. Increased serum hCG concentrations have also been observed in melanoma, carcinomas of the breast, gastrointestinal tract, lung, and ovaries, and in benign conditions, including cirrhosis, duodenal ulcer, and inflammatory bowel disease. This result cannot be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease. This result is not interpretable as a tumor marker in pregnant females.

The combination of the specific monoclonal antibodies used in the Roche Beta HCG electrochemiluminescent immunoassay recognize the holo-hormone, "nicked" forms of hCG, the beta-core fragment, and the free beta-subunit. Although this assay is FDA cleared for use in the detection of pregnancy, it is not labeled for use as a tumor marker.

See Compliance Statement B: www.aruplab.com/CS
CPT Code(s): 84702