Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-hCG), Marker, Serum/Plasma

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a well-established tumour marker in trophoblastic diseases such as molar pregnancy, choriocarcinoma, and testicular cancer. In testicular cancer, both α/β- hCG heterodimers and free β-hCG could be found in patients’ sera. However, only free β-hCG could be found in the sera of patients with pure seminoma. Moreover free β-hCG synthesis has been reported in epithelial tumours, pelvic carcinomas such as those of the colon, urinary tract, prostate, uterus, and vulvovagina. Therefore, in the diagnosis of malignancy, immunoassay systems that can detect both dimeric form of hCG and free β-hCG subunit should be used. See Also Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-hCG), Serum

β-hCG is used in the diagnosis of placental and germ-cell tumours (molar pregnancy, choriocarcinoma, and testicular cancer). Increased serum levels of hCG are generally agreed to be a sign of poor prognosis and it has been suggested that β-hCG might directly modify the growth of the cancer, leading to a worse outcome.

1 ml Serum 1 ml Na2, K3-EDTA or Li, Na, NH4+-Heparin, Sodium Citrate, or Fluoride/Potassium Oxalate Plasma Stability: 3 Days at 2-8 °C 12 Months at -20 °C

Freeze only once.

Male: Up to 2.6 mIU/mL Female Non-pregnant Premenopausal: Up to 5.3 mIU/mL Female Postmenopausal: Up to 8.3 mIU/mL