Sample type: Serum
Test name: hCG
Condition / Indication: Tumour Marker, and assessment of ectopic pregnancy. Not offered for routine pregnancy testing where urine is preferred and tested using a point of care device.
Special precautions & notes: Patients under the care of the Trophoblastic Tumour Screening and Treatment Centre at Charing Cross Hospital should have their samples sent direct to the hospital.
Reference range: Note new reference ranges from 14/11/22: Non-pregnant pre-menopausal females <5 IU/L; hCG levels are higher in pregnancy and double approximately every 48 hours in viable early pregnancy. See local guidelines for hCG values in the management of ectopic pregnancy; post-menopausal females: <12 IU/L, males: <2 IU/L
Container: Serum (Gold top)
Alternative container: Li heparin (green top)
Ideal volume (mL): 5 mL
Referred outside NBT for analysis? No
Discipline: Clinical Biochemistry
Section: Automated Laboratory
Turnaround time: 1 day (2 hours for urgent requests)
- HCG Summary of Assay Change.pdf145.42 KB