LAB HOURS: MON - THU and SAT : 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
FRI and SUN : 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
General:
HCG can be divided into two inactive, covalently bound subunits, which are described as α− and β-chain. The alpha−subunit is identical to alpha subunits of FSH, LH and TSH and can lead to cross reactions if the test specificity is low. β-HCG is secreted in the syncytiotrophoblast and stimulates, via receptors, the progesterone formation in the corpus luteum graviditatis from the implantation time until the 8th week of pregnancy, when the syncytiotrophoblast takes over the function of the corpus luteum.
β-HCG reaches values of > 10 U/l in serum and/or in urine of > 20 U/l approx. 10-12 days after conception (LH-peak, ovulation). This is also valid for in vitro fertilizations. Duplication of betaHCG values are observed every 2 days, a maximum increase is observed between the 9th and 11th week, the maximum at the end of the first trimester, then a gradual decrease is seen in the further course. After birth β-HCG values decrease rapidly and are no longer detectable after 11-17 days.
The β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin is secreted by some cancers including choriocarcinoma, germ cell tumors, hydatidiform mole formation, teratoma with elements of choriocarcinoma (this is rare), and islet cell tumors. For this reason a positive result in males can be a test for testicular cancer.
The following tests are available:
- beta-HCG in serum
Indication: |
Pregnancy confirmation, suspicion of germ cell tumor, monitoring after abortion. |
Material: |
1 ml serum |
Stability: |
3 days at 2 to 8°C |
TAT: |
same day, FML |
Method: |
ECLIA |
Units: |
mIU/ml |
Ref.- range: |
see report |
Note: |
Test is positive approximate 10-12 Days after conception. |
- beta-HCG, free
see Down Syndrome, First Trimester Screening
Indication: |
Risk marker in First Trimester Screening |
Material: |
1 ml serum |
Stability: |
8 days at 2 to 8°C |
TAT: |
3 days, FML |
Method: |
ECLIA |
Units: |
MoM |
- beta-HCG, tumor marker
Indication: |
Suspicion of germinal cell tumors (testes, placenta, ovary, extragonadal), course control, therapy monitoring. |
Material: |
1 ml serum |
Stability: |
3 days at 2 to 8°C |
TAT: |
same day, FML |
Method: |
ECLIA |
Units: |
mIU/ml |
Ref.- range: |
< 2.0 |
Lab hours
MON - THU and SAT 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM | FRI and SUN : 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM