Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

General

Core Lab Study

Synonym/Acronym:
chorionic gonadotropin, pregnancy test, HCG, hCG, alpha-HCG, beta-subunit HCG.

Rationale
To assist in verification of pregnancy, screen for neural tube defects, and evaluate human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)–secreting tumors.

This Core Lab Study is most commonly requested to confirm pregnancy; it is also available without an HCP’s order (over the counter in many stores).

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction.

Normal Findings
Method: Immunoassay

Conventional Units SI Units (Conventional Units × 1)
Males and nonpregnant females Less than 5 milli-international units/mL Less than 5 international units/L

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.