Reviewed: January 2004
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (beta subunit) is used as a tumour marker for gestational trophoblastic diseases (hydatidiform moles and choriocarcinoma) and germ cell tumours of ovary or testis. As with AFP, pre-treatment ß-HCG levels are very helpful. The major clinical application is monitoring treatment response in patients with testicular tumours. It is generally recommended that follow-up samples for AFP/ß-HCG patients should be done monthly for two years post-treatment.
b-HCG may also be elevated in cancers of the breast, lung, pancreas, stomach, kidney, and brain. Non-malignant elevations may be seen in bowel disease, duodenal ulcers, cirrhosis, and pregnancy.
ß-HCG is a CMIA (chemiluminescent immuno-assay) on the Abbott ARCHITECT® analyzer. Samples may be serum (preferred) or plasma (heparin only).
This assay measures total B-HCG and has no detectable cross-reactivity with LH, FSH, or TSH at levels of 1000 u/L of each hormone.
Reference Range = <5 IU/L
Interferences: HAMA, pregnancy