Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG)
Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by trophoblastic tissue. This is found in the placenta in normal pregnancy, in choriocarcinoma and in trophoblastic elements in germ cell tumours. HCG consists of two subunits (alpha and beta). When HCG is used as a tumour marker it is important that both free beta subunit and intact HCG are measured.
HCG is used to diagnose, monitor or detect recurrent disease in germ cell tumours.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
| Sample type |
Serum |
| Container |
SST |
| Precautions |
None |
| Minimum volume |
2 mL |
| Reference range |
As tumour marker ≤ 5 U/L
|
| Turnaround time |
1 day |
| Method |
Abbott Architect |
Quality Assurance
UK NEQAS
