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Test Code Billings Clinic: 8962 Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Plasma or Serum

Important Note

There has been a methodology change for this assay. There is a 34% positive bias in comparison to our previous methodology.

This test is not FDA approved as a tumor marker.

Reference Ranges have not been established for population under age 17

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory: Chemistry

Useful For

  • Early detection of pregnancy
  • Investigation of suspected ectopic pregnancy or other pregnancy-related complications
  • Monitoring in vitro fertilization patients

 

Methodology

Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Serum or plasma should be physically separated from cells as soon as possible with a maximum limit of two hours from the time of collection.

 

Plasma

  • Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s).
  • Spin down and send 1.0 mL of heparinized plasma frozen.

 

Serum

  • Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or a serum gel tube(s).
  • Spin down and send 1.0 mL of serum frozen

Storage/Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Plasma, Serum Refrigerated 2 days
  Frozen (Preferred) 6 months
  Ambient 8 hours

 

Reject Due To

  • Specimens stabilized with azide
  • Specimens with apparent contamination

Reference Values

Females (nonpregnant):  1 - 3 mIU/mL

  • Detection of very low levels of β-hCG does not rule out pregnancy.
  • Because β-hCG doubles every 48 hours, patients with very low levels should be retested after 48 hours.

 

Males:  0 - 1 mIU/mL

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

84702 - Gonadotropin, chorionic (hCG); quantitative

 

LCD or NCD test: ICD-10 code is required for this test. When appropriate, obtain a properly executed ABN and submit the ABN with test order(s). See “Medical Necessity and Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) Policy and Form” under Resources for a copy of a form and additional information.

LOINC Code Information

Reporting Name LOINC Code
B-HCG Quant 21198-7