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Lab Dept:
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Hematology
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Test Name:
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PREGNANCY TEST, SERUM
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General Information
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Lab Order Codes:
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SHCG
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Synonyms:
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HCG; pregnancy test; human chorionic gonadotropin
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CPT Codes:
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84703 – Gonadotropin, chorionic (hCG); qualitative
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Test Includes:
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Qualitative serum pregnancy test reported as positive or negative.
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Logistics
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Test Indications:
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Useful for the qualitative detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to detect pregnancy.
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Lab Testing Sections:
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Hematology
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Phone Numbers:
Minneapolis:
Saint Paul:
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612-813-6280
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651-220-6550
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Test Availability:
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Daily, 24 hours
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Turnaround Time:
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1 hour
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Special Instructions:
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N/A
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Specimen
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Specimen Type:
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Blood
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Container:
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Red top tube
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Draw Volume:
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2 mL (Minimum: 1.5 mL) blood
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Processed Volume:
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Minimum: 0.5 mL serum
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Collection:
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Routine venipuncture
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Special Processing:
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Lab staff: Centrifuge specimen, remove serum aliquot into a screw-capped plastic vial. Store at refrigerated temperatures.
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Patient Preparation:
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None
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Sample Rejection:
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Unlabeled or mislabeled specimen
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Interpretive
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Reference Range:
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Negative (reported as positive or negative).
Specimens containing as low a level as 25 mIU/mL hCG will yield positive results when tested with Quick Vue One-Step hCG Combo Test®. In normal pregnancy, hCG can be detected as early as 6 days following conception with concentrations doubling every 32 to 48 hours, peaking in excess of 100,000 mIU/mL in approximately 10 to 12 weeks. Levels of 25 mIU/mL hCG are reportedly present in urine and serum as early as 2 to 3 days before expected menses. Serum hCG is rapidly cleared into the urine and the concentration of hCG in serum is approximately equal to the concentration in urine.
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Critical Values:
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N/A
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Limitations:
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Some instances of a positive urine and negative serum test occur. This is due to hCG breakdown products present in the urine. Repeat the test a week later.
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Methodology:
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Monoclonal Antibody, Quick Vue One-Step hCG Combo Test®
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Contraindications:
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This test should not be used for tumor markers, order HCG, Beta subunit.
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References:
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Quidel Quick Vue One-Step hCG Combo Test Kit Package Insert (2002)
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