Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-HCG)
Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-HCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It supports the corpus luteum, allowing it to produce progesterone and maintain the pregnancy.
β-HCG levels are tested to confirm and monitor pregnancy, diagnose ectopic pregnancy, detect potential miscarriages, and monitor certain types of cancer like trophoblastic disease or testicular cancer.
This blood test helps in assessing pregnancy health, diagnosing pregnancy-related complications, and monitoring specific cancers.
Sample Requirements:
Gold SST Tube
Or
K2/3 EDTA Tube
Stability:
Serum:
3 days 2-8°C
6 months -20°C
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Critical Value:
Not Applicable
Assay Interferences:
Recovery within ± 10 %
Bilirubin: <= 410 umol/L or <= 24mg/dL
Hemoglobin: <= 0.621 mmol/L or <= 1000 mg/dL
Intralipid: <= 1400 mg/dL
Biotin: <= 327 nmol/L or <= 80 ng/mL
Rheumatoid Factors: <= 3400 IU/mL
Medications:
No common medications are found to interfere with this assay
Reference Range (IU/L):
Adult Male: < 2
Positive Pregnancy: > 25
Negative Pregnancy: < 5
Inconclusive Result: > 5 and < 25
Pregnant Female:
3 weeks: 5 - 72
4 weeks: 10 - 708
5 weeks: 217 - 8,245
6 weeks: 152 - 32,177
7 weeks: 4,059 - 153,767
8 weeks: 31,366 - 149,094
9 weeks: 59,109 - 135,901
10 weeks: 44,186 - 170,409
12 weeks: 27,107 - 201,165
14 weeks: 24,302 - 93,646
15 weeks: 12,540 - 69,747
16 weeks: 8,904 - 55,332
17 weeks: 8,240 - 51,793
18 weeks: 9,649 - 55,271