Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Alternative Names/Synonyms	HCG, Beta HCG, BHCG
Laboratory	Core Laboratory & Transfusion Medicine
Sub-section	Biochemistry
Specimen Type	Blood
Test Code	HCGS, HCGP

Clinical Significance

Assisting in detection and early monitoring of pregnancy, evaluation of trisomy risk, management of patients with trophoblastic diseases.

Monitoring patients diagnosed with non-seminomatous testicular tumours.

Specimen Requirements (Sample Type)

Serum, Plasma

Specimen Requirements (Volume (mL))

0.5 mL

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

Serum (Gold SST)
Plasma (Light Green PST)
Collection Containers – Tube Types

Collection Requirements

Blood Collection Instructions

Sample Stability

Room Temperature: N/A

Fridge: 3 days @ 2-8°C

Freezer: 1 year @ -20°C

Cause for Rejection

Specimen Acceptability and Transport Guidance

Instrument, Methodology

Roche cobas e 602, immunoassay

Test Availability

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

STAT Turnaround Time

1 hour

Routine Turnaround Time

3 hours

Reference Ranges

Males and Pre-Menopausal, Non-Pregnant Females: < 3 IU/L
Pregnancy After 4 weeks: > 9 IU/L
Post-Menopausal Females: < 8 IU/L

In case of discrepancies, always interpret results using reference ranges as stated on laboratory reports and/or electronic patient chart.

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4688