HCG-beta
 (Biochemistry)
Investigation : HCG-beta
Specimen type : Serum
Spec container : Serum Gel 
Volume required : 5 ml
MALE Ref range : ≤2 U/l
FEMALE Ref range : ≤1 U/l
Turnaround : <48 hours


HYDATIDIFORM MOLE
 Requests for HYDATIDIFORM MOLE require a SERUM sample (plain RED tube) and are sent by the laboratory to another NHS reference laboratory.

Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG)

HCG is composed of two glycoprotein subunits, α and β. The βHCG assay measures both the intact HCG molecule and the free βHCG molecule. HCG is a hormone produced by the normal placenta, reaching a maximum concentration in plasma by the eight week of pregnancy. HCG can be detected in the plasma and urine as early as one week after conception.

Malignancies with elevated concentrations:

  1. Virtually all patients with gestational trophoblastic disease (molar pregnancy, choreocarcinoma)
  2. Non-seminomatous germ cell tumours of the testis (40-60%) and ovary.
  3. Testicular seminomas (20%)
Benign disease with elevated levels:
Ectopic pregnancy, pituitary adenoma

Main clinical applications:

  1. Diagnosis of suspected ectopic pregnancy. If the concentration of βHCG is >1000U/l but an intrauterine sac cannot be visualised on transvaginal ultrasound, ectopic pregnancy is likely. Also, plasma βHCG concentrations double every two days in normal pregnancy, but the rate of rise in ectopic pregnancy is usually less.
  2. Monitoring patients with gestational trophoblastic disease. Patients who have had a hydatidiform mole treated by uterine curettage are at risk of developing choriocarcinoma if the resection is incomplete. βHCG is an extremely sensitive tumour marker; tumours weighing only 1mg may be detectable. Should a tumour develop, βHCG may be used as an indicator of the response to treatment and in longterm follow up.
  3. Determining prognosis and monitoring non-seminomatous germ cell tumours. Used in conjunction with AFP.
  4. As a diagnostic aid for non-seminomatous germ cell tumours. However, while elevated levels are found in 40-60% of patients with metastatic non-seminomatous germ cell tumours, levels are rarely increased in those with stage 1 disease.


Additional information on serum βhCG and its clinical use can be found here: serum βhCG.

New male/female BHCG reference intervals 01/05/21, results unaffected.
Post-menopausal reference interval <7 IU/L.
AUH service users: new BHCG units IU/L are equivalent to previous (mIU/mL).



Back

Laboratory Services Home Page