Test Details

• Discipline:

  Biochemistry

  Biochemistry

• Specimen Container Adult:

  Serum (SST or plain tube)

  Serum (SST or plain tube)

• Minimum Volume Adult:

  2 mL

  2 mL

• Transport Requirements:

  Despatched by 1st class post

  Despatched by 1st class post

• Interpretation:

  In the UK all cases of molar pregnancy should be registered for hCG based follow-up once the diagnosis of the molar pregnancy is made. The centre for the follow up of molar pregnancy in the norther...

  In the UK all cases of molar pregnancy should be registered for hCG based follow-up once the diagnosis of the molar pregnancy is made. The centre for the follow up of molar pregnancy in the northern region is Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield.
  Once registered all patients send blood or urine specimens for measurement of the hCG level that allows the activity of any residual molar tissue to be followed. Samples are sent every two weeks and the results allow the team to continue to monitor the patients where the level is falling or to call in for treatment the minority where the level is static or rising.

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• Reference Ranges:

  Provided on report from referral laboratory.

  Provided on report from referral laboratory.

• Factors Affecting Result:

  In hydatiform mole there may be weak TSH-like activity due to the very high concentrations of hCG.
  A high‐dose hook effect may occur at concentrations >750,000 IU/L
  Heterophilic antibodies can inte...

  In hydatiform mole there may be weak TSH-like activity due to the very high concentrations of hCG.
  A high‐dose hook effect may occur at concentrations >750,000 IU/L
  Heterophilic antibodies can interfere with immunoassays.

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• Other Info:

  Known affected patients are registered with Sheffield's molar pregnancy register, include patient's reference number.

  Known affected patients are registered with Sheffield's molar pregnancy register, include patient's reference number.

• Routine Contact Name:

  Duty Biochemist

• Routine Telephone:

  Freeman: 0191 244 8889
  RVI: 0191 282 9719

  Freeman: 0191 244 8889
  RVI: 0191 282 9719

• Routine Email:

  nuth.dutybiochemist@nhs.net