hCG , (tumour), serum
Clinical Background:
The presence of hCG in plasma at times other than pregnancy can indicate abnormal trophoblastic tissue or a tumour secreting the hormone ectopically. hCG is used to diagnose and monitor patients wi...
The presence of hCG in plasma at times other than pregnancy can indicate abnormal trophoblastic tissue or a tumour secreting the hormone ectopically. hCG is used to diagnose and monitor patients with germ cell tumours (testicular cancer in men and extragonadal germ cell tumours) CNS involvement can be assessed by measuring CSF and serum levels
Test Details
-
Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
-
Specimen Container Adult:
Serum-SST
Serum-SST
-
Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum-Plain tube
Serum-Plain tube
-
Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
-
Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
0.5 mL blood
-
Sample Stability:
Unseparated sample: unknown
Separated sample: 1 day at 15-25C, 7 days at 2-8C, 1 year at -20C
Unseparated sample: unknown
Separated sample: 1 day at 15-25C, 7 days at 2-8C, 1 year at -20C
-
Add On Test:
This test cannot be added on. Please contact the duty biochemist to discuss.
This test cannot be added on. Please contact the duty biochemist to discuss.
-
Interpretation:
Ovarian germ cell tumours constitute less than 1% of all ovarian malignancies, differentiated along either embryonic or extra-embryonal pathways, only the embryonal or choriocarcinomas actively sec...
Read MoreOvarian germ cell tumours constitute less than 1% of all ovarian malignancies, differentiated along either embryonic or extra-embryonal pathways, only the embryonal or choriocarcinomas actively secrete hCG. Conversely, 95% of testicular tumours are of germ cell origin with 16% of seminomas and all choriocarcinomas secreting HCG. However it is important to monitor germ cell tumours with both AFP and hCG as changes in composition may occur requiring changes in therapy. Chemotherapy is often based on slight changes in marker levels.
-
Reference Ranges:
- Males: <2 IU/L
- Females:Pre-menopausal: <5 IU/L
Peri-menopausal: <7 IU/L
Post-menopausal: <10 IU/L- Males: <2 IU/L
- Females:Pre-menopausal: <5 IU/L
Peri-menopausal: <7 IU/L
Post-menopausal: <10 IU/L -
Factors Affecting Result:
A high‐dose hook effect may occur at concentrations >750,000 IU/L
Heterophilic antibodies can interfere with immunoassays.A high‐dose hook effect may occur at concentrations >750,000 IU/L
Heterophilic antibodies can interfere with immunoassays. -
Other Info:
Plasma- Lithium Heparin also acceptable
Plasma- Lithium Heparin also acceptable
-
Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
-
Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719 -
Routine Email: