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HelpTest Code BHSF Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Quantitative, Spinal Fluid
Reporting Name
Chorionic Gonad Beta-Subunit QN,CSFUseful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of brain metastases of testicular cancer or extragonadal intracerebral germ cell tumors
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
CSFSpecimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection, do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Submit specimen from collection vial 1.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.75 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSF | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 14 days | ||
| Frozen | 14 days |
Reference Values
<1.0 IU/L
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
84702
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| BHSF | Chorionic Gonad Beta-Subunit QN,CSF | 14041-8 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| BHSF | Chorionic Gonad Beta-Subunit QN,CSF | 14041-8 |
Interpretation
Elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin in spinal fluid indicate the probable presence of central nervous system metastases or recurrence of tumor in patients with germ cell tumors, including patients with testicular cancer or choriocarcinoma.
Clinical Reference
1. Tian C, Shi Q, Xiao G, et al: CSF and serum hCG in patients without gestational and neoplastic hCG-secretion. Scand J Clin Lab Invest. 2011 Jul;71(4):264-268
2. Tian C, Shi Q, Pu C, et al: Re-evaluation of the significance of cerebrospinal fluid human chorionic gonadotropin in detecting intracranial ectopic germinomas. J Clin Neurosci. 2011 Feb;18(2):223-226
3. Gonzalez-Sanchez V, Moreno-Perez O, Sanchez Pellicer PS, et al: Validation of the human chorionic gonadotropin immunoassay in cerebrospinal fluid for the diagnostic work-up of neurohypophyseal germinomas. Ann Clin Biochem. 2011 Sep;48(Pt 5):433-437
4. Hu Y, Ni J, Zhang H, et al:Â An immunoassay for human Chorionic gonadotropin in cerebrospinal fluid: validation of a modified-approved method for accreditation by the College of American Pathologists. J Lab Physicians. 2021 Sep 8;14(1):11-15. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1733817.
5. Zhang H, Zhang P, Fan J, et al: Determining an optimal cutoff of serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin for assisting the diagnosis of intracranial germinomas. PLoS One. 2016 Jan 15;11(1):e0147023. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147023
Report Available
1 to 3 daysMethod Name
Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.