hCG (Pregnancy Test), Qualitative
CPT Code(s):
84703
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Specimen received outside stability requirements; Excessive blood, particulates, viscosity present
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
5 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
The Pregnancy Test, Serum is a clinically significant and diagnostically useful laboratory test used to detect pregnancy in a patient. This test measures the presence and concentration of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the patient's blood serum.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of the Pregnancy Test, Serum test include:
1. Early Pregnancy Detection: The Pregnancy Test, Serum test is highly sensitive and can detect pregnancy in its early stages, often as early as 10 days after conception. This makes it useful for patients who suspect they may be pregnant before the onset of typical pregnancy symptoms or before a missed period.
2. Confirmation of Pregnancy: The Pregnancy Test, Serum test provides definitive confirmation of pregnancy by detecting the presence of hCG, a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after implantation occurs. A positive test result indicates that the patient is pregnant.
3. Monitoring Pregnancy Progression: Serial measurements of hCG levels through multiple Pregnancy Test, Serum tests over time can provide valuable information about the progression of pregnancy. The rate of hCG increase and the doubling time can be indicative of a healthy pregnancy. Abnormal hCG levels or inconsistent changes may raise concerns about the viability of the pregnancy or the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy.
4. Assessing Pregnancy Complications: The Pregnancy Test, Serum test can aid in the diagnosis of certain pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or molar pregnancy. Abnormal hCG levels or unexpected changes in hCG concentration may warrant further evaluation and monitoring to determine the appropriate management approach.
5. Monitoring Treatment Progress: In certain medical conditions, such as gestational trophoblastic disease or certain types of cancer, hCG levels may be abnormally elevated. The Pregnancy Test, Serum test can help monitor the effectiveness of treatment by measuring changes in hCG concentration over time.
It is important to note that the Pregnancy Test, Serum test detects hCG in the blood, which may take slightly longer to appear compared to the hCG detected in urine-based pregnancy tests. However, the serum test offers higher sensitivity and can provide accurate results earlier in pregnancy.
In summary, the Pregnancy Test, Serum test is clinically significant for the early detection and confirmation of pregnancy. It helps monitor pregnancy progression, assess pregnancy complications, and monitor treatment progress in certain medical conditions. The test provides valuable information to healthcare providers, enabling them to provide appropriate care and guidance to pregnant individuals throughout their pregnancy journey.