HCG, Tumor Marker Level (Roche)

Females:

• Post-menopausal: 0-8 mIU/mL;
• Pre-menopausal 0-2 mIU/mL.

Rare false positive HCG results possible (Lancet 2000, 355:p712). Results can be confirmed by a different HCG method. Call Lab Med Resident on call (206) 598-6190 for additional testing if desired.

Patient results determined by assays using different manufacturers, instruments, or methods may not be comparable.

Specimen requirements:

• Preferred specimen: 6 mL blood in RED TOP or GOLD SST tube
• Acceptable specimen: ORANGE TOP RST, LIME GREEN PST, or LAVENDER TOP tube

Collect 2.0 mL of blood in a gold-top (SST) tube; serum is preferred. Orange-top (RST) or plain red-top tubes are also acceptable. Gel tubes are acceptable. For non-separator tubes, separate the serum from the cells within two hours of collection.

Storage stability:

• Room temperature: Up to 5 days
• Refrigerated (2–8°C): Up to 14 days
• Frozen (-20°C): Up to 12 months
• Thawing: Freeze/thaw the sample only once