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Austin Pathology
Test Directory
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HCG (Pregnancy) - Serum
Alternate Names
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beta-subunit Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, bHCG, Pregnancy Test, Total HCG, Beta HCG |
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Ordering Information
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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. |
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Laboratory
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Biochemistry |
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Specimen
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Blood |
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Container
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Serum tube (gold cap OR red cap w. yellow insert) |
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Additional Collection Instructions
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Can combine with other Biochemistry tests requiring same tube type. |
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Minimum Adult Volume
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5mL |
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Minimum Paediatric Volume
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1mL |
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Frequency
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Daily |
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Reference Interval
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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. |
These PDF documents can be downloaded for your reference
Test Code
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HCG |
Container ID
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S, SP, LH, LHP |
Laboratory Notes
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Instructions for: Regional and Metropolitan Specimen Receptions For HCG (Tumour marker) requests, code HCGT |