hCG, total (pregnancy), serum
Clinical Background:
hCG is a glycoprotein heterodimer composed of an α‐ and a β‐subunit. The α‐subunit is common to luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), w...
hCG is a glycoprotein heterodimer composed of an α‐ and a β‐subunit. The α‐subunit is common to luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), while the β‐subunit is unique to hCG. hCG is produced by the placenta shortly after the embryonic blastocyst implants into the uterine wall. Therefore, an increased level of hCG in the bloodstream is an early indicator of pregnancy and to monitor early pregnancy (ectopic, threatened abortion).
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5 mL
0.5 mL
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Sample Stability:
Unseparated sample: unknown
Separated: 1 day at 15-25C, 7 days at 2-8C, 1 year at -20C
Unseparated sample: unknown
Separated: 1 day at 15-25C, 7 days at 2-8C, 1 year at -20C
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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.
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Reference Ranges:
Pre-menopausal: <5 IU/L
Peri-menopausal: <7 IU/L
Post-menopausal: <10 IU/L
Pre-menopausal: <5 IU/L
Peri-menopausal: <7 IU/L
Post-menopausal: <10 IU/L
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Other Info:
lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable
lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719 -
Routine Email: