|
|
Lab Dept:
|
Other Fluids
|
Test Name:
|
CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN, BETA SUBUNIT, CSF
|
General Information
|
Lab Order Codes:
|
BHCC
|
Synonyms:
|
Beta hCG CSF; Beta-human Chorionic Gonadotropin CSF; hCG Beta Subunit; hCG Beta subunit Tumor Marker
|
CPT Codes:
|
84702 – Gonadotropin, chorionic (hCG), quantitative
|
Test Includes:
|
CSF hCG Beta Subunit level measured in IU/L.
|
Logistics
|
Test Indications:
|
Useful for facilitating diagnosis of brain metastases of testicular cancer or extragonadal intracerebral germ cell tumors.
|
Lab Testing Sections:
|
Other Fluids - Sendout
|
Referred to:
|
Mayo Medical Laboratories (MML Test# BHSF/8877)
|
Phone Numbers:
|
MIN Lab: 612-813-6280
|
STP Lab: 651-220-6550
|
Test Availability:
|
Daily, 24 hours
|
Turnaround Time:
|
1-3 days, test performed Monday - Saturday
|
Special Instructions:
|
See Container
|
Specimen
|
Specimen Type:
|
Spinal fluid
|
Container:
|
Sterile, Leak-proof fluid container
|
Draw Volume:
|
Entire specimen
|
Processed Volume:
|
1 mL (Minimum: 0.5 mL) spinal fluid
Note: Mayo lists 0.1 mL as a minimum volume, however, transport of such a volume has been problematic so the volumes have been augmented to provide the best specimen possible for testing and transport.
|
Collection:
|
Routine spinal fluid collection
|
Special Processing:
|
Lab Staff: Mix specimen well and remove aliquot into a sterile, screw-capped round bottom plastic vial. Store and ship at refrigerated temperatures. Forward promptly.
|
Patient Preparation:
|
None
|
Sample Rejection:
|
Specimens other than spinal fluid, mislabeled or unlabeled specimens
|
Interpretive
|
Reference Range:
|
≤1.5 IU/L
Note: Tumor markers are not specific for malignancy, and values may vary by method.
|
Critical Values:
|
N/A
|
Limitations:
|
Slight elevations of hCG in spinal fluid may occur in non neoplastic diseases. Measurement of hCG in spinal fluid should not be relied upon exclusively to determine the presence of CNS metastases in patients with germ cell tumors.
|
Methodology:
|
Immunoenzymatic assay
|
References:
|
Mayo Medical Laboratories Web Page October 2010
|
Updates:
|
10/4/2010: Sterile specimen is required.
|
