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Total HCG, Quantitative (hCG)

Tube Type = Mint Green Plasma Separator

Tube Type

Test ID LAB143
EPIC Order HCG QUANTITATIVE, BLOOD
CPT Code(s) 84702
Group/Individual Test Individual
Laboratory Core
Tube Station Routine: 30; STAT: 888
Specimen Rountine: 1 ml blood/green lithium heparin gel tube. Also acceptable gold SST or red plain tube
Micro: 200µL blood/mint green top bullet/gold top/red top
Stability Unspun: <4 hrs is recommended
Spun: Room Temp: <8 hrs
Refrigerated: <48 hours
Frozen: <30 days
Availability 24 hrs/day
Turnaround Time STAT: 1 hour; Routine: 2 hours
Reference Range Total hCG Female (mIU/mL)
Non-Pregnant <4.2
Post- and Peri-menopausal 1.8-10.1
Comment
  • Heterophilic antibodies may cause interference.
  • Serum hCG increases with age in nonpregnant women. A cutoff of 14.0 IU/L should be used when interpreting hCG results in women >55 yrs. Pregnancy is unlikely in perimenopausal women 41-55 yrs with an hCG between 5.0 and 14.0 mIU/mL if serum FSH is >20.0IU/L.
  • During pregnancy, hCG increases exponentially for 8-10 weeks after conception and begins falling at approximately 12 weeks. Week-to-week hCG levels during pregnancy show significant overlap and are not a reliable means of determining gestational age.
  • This test is not intended for use other than to aid in early detection of pregnancy.
  • This test is performed using the Siemens Atellica IM ThCG immunoassay.  Different assays are not interchangeable. 

Reviewed by J. Carr on January 05, 2026

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514