Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Serum Lithium Heparin Plasma (paediatrics only)

Minimum volume required

Special requirements

None

Patient preparation

Please inform the laboratory if the patient has been treated with monoclonal mouse antibodies or may have received them for diagnostic purposes.

Sample viability

Turnaround time

This assay is run throughout the day and night. The in-lab turnaround time is normally less than 24 hours.

Reference range

β-hCG becomes detectable in maternal blood a few days after implantation. Levels typically rise by at least 63% over 48 hours, although the rate of increase slows as pregnancy advances. Concentrations peak at around 8 – 10 weeks' gestation before declining and plateauing. Ectopic pregnancies may show a slower rise, plateau, or fall in β-hCG concentrations; however, serial β-hCG results alone cannot confirm or exclude an ectopic pregnancy and should be interpreted alongside clinical findings and transvaginal ultrasound.

Clinical guidance

Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (βHCG) is produced in the placenta during pregnancy but it can also be produced by tumours of the trophoblast and germ cell tumours. Please refer to LabTestsOnlineUK to learn more about βhCG. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/human-chorionic-gonadotrophin-hcg-test

Notes