HCG
Alias/Synonym: Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
CPT Code: 88342
- Includes:
- Specimen Type, Preferred:
- Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue
- Specimen Type, Alternate:
- Sample Quantity, Preferred:
- 1 block
- 2 slides
- Sample Quantity, Minimum:
- N/A
- Transport Container:
- Paraffin block
- Unstained slides
- Transport Temperature:
- Room temperature
- Collection Instructions:
- Block and slide identifiers should be clearly written and match exactly with the specimen ID and specimen labeling as noted on the requisition.
- Slides should be positively charged and cut at 3-4 microns for each stain/antibody ordered.
- Specimen Stability:
- N/A
- Rejection Criteria:
- No liquid specimens.
- Uncharged slides
- Clinical Significance:
- Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by trophoblastic cells of the placenta beginning 10 to 12 days after conception. Maintenance of the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy requires the production of hCG, which binds to the corpus luteum of the ovary which is stimulated to produce progesterone which in turn maintains the secretory endometrium. Detection of hCG is useful in the evaluation of possible choriocarcinoma, germ cell tumor typing and in evaluation of gestational trophoblastic disease.
- Limitations:
- Turnaround Time:
- 1 day(s)
- Reference Ranges:
- N/A