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HelpOrder Code BHCG Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Quantitative, Serum
Reporting Name
Beta-HCG, Quantitative, SUseful 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.
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumOrdering 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 |
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
Method Description
The Roche Elecsys HCG+beta (human chorionic gonadotropin) assay is a 2-site immunometric sandwich assay using electrochemiluminescence detection. Patient specimen, biotinylated monoclonal HCG-specific antibody, and monoclonal HCG-specific antibody labeled with a ruthenium react to form a complex. Streptavidin-coated microparticles act as the solid phase to which the complex becomes bound. Voltage is applied to the electrode inducing a chemiluminescent emission from the ruthenium, which is then measured against a calibration curve to determine the amount of HCG in the patient specimen.(Package insert: Elecsys HCG+beta. Roche Diagnostics; V 1.0, 05/2024)
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.