Total Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Applies To: Aid in detecting ectopic pregnancies, early pregnancy, multiple gestation, missed abortion, gestational trophoblastic disease (mole, invasive mole, or choriocarcinoma), gonadal tumors

Lab: Clinical Chemistry

Request Form: Routine Chemistry Form 1 or Special Chemistry Form 2

Collection: Routine venipuncture

Storage Instructions: The use of freshly collected samples is recommended (within 24 hours of collection). Centrifuge the specimen and remove the serum from the red cells if held more than 24 hours. Samples which cannot be run the day of collection may be stored refrigerated at 2-8°C for up to 7 days.

Causes for Rejection: Hemolysis, improperly labeled and blood collected in any anticoagulated tube.

Availability: Samples are received 24 hours per day at Sample Management, 5.136 McCullough.

Turnaround Time: Routine: 24 hours; STAT: 1 hour

Specimen: Serum

Volume: 6 mL of whole blood

Minimum Volume: 2 mL of whole blood or 0.6mL serum

Container: SST (gel barrier) or red-topped tube

Reference Ranges: For non-pregnant woman or man: Negative, HCG < 5 mIU/mL

For pregnancy:
Gestational age Range (mIU/mL)
0-1 Week..............................0-50
1-2 Weeks............................40-300
2-3 Weeks............................100-1,000
3-4 Weeks.............................500-6,000
1-2 Months.............................5,000-200,000
2-3 Months............................10,000-100,000
2nd Trimester........................3,000-50,000
3rd Trimester........................1,000-50,000

Test Method: Chemiluminescence

Reviewed/revised March 2008 by D. Davis

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