Austin Pathology

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HCG (Pregnancy) - Serum

Alternate Names
beta-subunit Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, bHCG, Pregnancy Test, Total HCG, Beta HCG
Ordering Information

Please note that urine pregnancy tests are no longer performed. Qualitative pregnancy tests are now performed only on serum. 

For pregnancy, the HCG assay measures Total HCG i.e. Intact and free beta-subunit.

For HCG as a tumour marker, please indicate this in the clinical notes or request. Tumour marker HCGs are measured using a different assay to the HCG Pregnancy Test.

Laboratory
Biochemistry
Specimen
Blood
Container
Serum tube (gold cap OR red cap w. yellow insert)
Additional Collection Instructions

Can combine with other Biochemistry tests requiring same tube type.

Minimum Adult Volume
5mL
Minimum Paediatric Volume
1mL
Frequency
Daily
Reference Interval
Reference Interval (IU/L)
Negative < 5
Equivocal 5 - 25
Positive > 25

 

For Pregnancy purposes, HCG measured by Beckman DxI

When testing for pregnancy: If the result is equivocal or patient has yet to miss a menstrual period, a repeat test is suggested in 2-3 days.

Note: post-menopausal women may have levels persistently in the equivocal range from pituitary synthesis.

An unexpected positive result could be due to heterophile antibodies in the serum.

Test Code
HCG
Container ID
S, SP, LH, LHP
Laboratory Notes

Instructions for: Regional and Metropolitan Specimen Receptions

For HCG (Tumour marker) requests, code HCGT