Test Name: BETA HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (BHCG), QUANTITATIVE
Test Code: 2120281
Alias: Beta HCG,Quantitative
hCG,Quantitative
LAB143
Pregnancy Test, Quantitative
βHCG, Tumor Marker
βHCG,Quantitative
CPT Code(s): 84702  
Preferred Specimen:

1.0 mL serum
Container: SST (gold)
Alternate Container:

Lithium Heparin (lt green)
Minimum Volume:

0.3 mL serum or plasma
This volume does not allow for repeat testing.
Collection Instructions: Allow specimen to completely clot (this can take up to 60 minutes). Centrifuge for 15 minutes as soon as the specimen is clotted. If the specimen is collected in a Plain Red (no additive/gel) or an anticoagulant tube, centrifuge and transfer the serum/plasma into a properly labeled transfer tube. Specify specimen type (serum or plasma) on transfer tube.
Transport Temperature: Refrigerated
Stability:

Room Temperature: 72 hours*

Refrigerated: 14 days

Frozen: 12 months at -20 °C; freeze only once
Limitations: In patients receiving therapy with high biotin doses (i.e. > 5 mg/day), no sample should be taken until at least 8 hours after the last biotin administration.
Schedule: Set up: Daily; Results in 24-48 hours
Method: Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Performing Lab: Central Dupage Hospital Lab/HealthLab
Clinical Significance: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the placenta. The hormone is an excellent marker for pregnancy. Healthy, non-pregnant females have low to undetectable hCG levels. During pregnancy, hCG concentrations increase then show a gradual decrease after the first trimester. Unusually low or rapidly declining levels may indicate an abnormal condition such as ectopic pregnancy or impending spontaneous abortion. A quantitative hCG test may also be ordered to help diagnose gestational trophoblastic disease or germ cell tumors of the testes or ovary.
Department: CDH Chemistry Lab
Use: Updated 2/25/25
Reference Ranges:

Normal Pregnancy Gestational Age                   b-hCG Concentration
3 Weeks                                                                    5.8 - 71.2 mIU/mL

4 Weeks                                                                    9.5 - 750 mIU/mL

5 Weeks                                                                    217 - 7138 mIU/mL

6 Weeks                                                                    158 - 31,795 mIU/mL

7 Weeks                                                                    3697 - 163,563 mIU/mL

8 Weeks                                                                    32,065 - 149,571 mIU/mL

9 Weeks                                                                    63,803 - 151,410 mIU/mL

10 Weeks                                                                  46,509 - 186,977 mIU/mL

12 Weeks                                                                  27,832 - 210,612 mIU/mL

14 Weeks                                                                  13,950 - 62,530 mIU/mL

15 Weeks                                                                  12,039 - 70,971 mIU/mL

16 Weeks                                                                  9,040 - 56,451 mIU/mL

17 Weeks                                                                  8,175 - 55,868 mIU/mL

18 Weeks                                                                  8,099 - 58,176 mIU/mL

 

Non-pregnant Female:                                         0.0 - 4.9 mIU/mL

 

Males:                                                                   0.0 - 2.6 mIU/mL

Health Lab Test Code Build Information
Excel | PDF

The CPT codes included in this publication are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our clients; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and HealthLab may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Clients who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payor to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.
Test Type:

FIND A HEALTHLAB LOCATION

LOCATION ADDRESS

HOURS OF OPERATION