Test Directory

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)

Containers - Adult

LithiumHeparinOrangeCap4.7.jpg
Lithium Heparin (Orange Cap)
Volume Range

0.2 ml

Additive per Container

Lithium-heparin

BrownCapGelClotted.jpg
Brown Capped Gel Tube
Volume Range

​0.2 ml

Containers - Child

OrangeCapPaediatric.jpg
Orange Cap - Paediatric
Volume Range

0.6 ml

Additive per Container

Lithium-heparin

Reference ranges

​Gestation related reference intervals:

4 weeks: 16-156 U/L

4-5 weeks: 101-4,780 U/L

5-6 weeks: 1,110-31,500 U/L

6-7 weeks: 2,500-82,300 U/L

7-8 weeks: 23,100-151,000 U/L

8-9 weeks: 27,300-233,000 U/L

9-13 weeks: 20,900-291,000 U/L

13-18 weeks: 6,140-103,000 U/L

18-23 weeks: 4,270-80,000 U/L

23-41 weeks: 2,700-78,300 U/L

hCG may persist in the circulation for up to 4 weeks following term delivery, and the disappearance time following spontaneous or induced abortion, or removal of ectopic pregnancy, may be up to 6 weeks, depending on the initial hCG level.

hCG Tumour Marker reference range:

Pre-menopausal women: <5 U/L

Post-menopausal women: <10 U/L

Males: <2 U/L

Laboratory Site

RIE
51 Little France Crescent
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Telephone (Biochemistry): 0131 242 6806
SJH
Howden Road West
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP
Telephone (Biochemistry): 01506 52 3160/1
WGH
Crewe Road South
Edinburgh
EH4 2XU
Telephone (Biochemistry): 0131 537 1910/1

Anticipated turnaround

​4 days

General additional information

Requested for pregnancy testing or as a tumour marker.

Postmenopausal levels <10 U/L

Males and pre-menopausal females <5 U/L

For further information on the potential for biotin interference please click here.