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Test Code HCG Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Immunostain, Technical Component Only


Ordering Guidance


This test includes only technical performance of the stain (no pathologist interpretation is performed). If diagnostic consultation by a pathologist is required order PATHC / Pathology Consultation.



Shipping Instructions


Attach the green "Attention Pathology" address label (T498) and the pink Immunostain Technical Only label included in the kit to the outside of the transport container.



Specimen Required


Specimen Type: Tissue

Supplies: Immunostain Technical Only Envelope (T693)

Container/Tube: Immunostain Technical Only Envelope

Preferred:

-Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block

OR

-2 Unstained, positively charged glass slides (25- x 75- x 1-mm) per test ordered; sections 4-microns thick

Acceptable: None


Secondary ID

70455

Useful For

Identification human chorionic gonadotropin expression in neoplasms

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
IHTOI IHC Initial, Tech Only No No
IHTOA IHC Additional, Tech Only No No

Method Name

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Reporting Name

Chorion Gonadotropin IHC, Tech Only

Specimen Type

TECHONLY

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
TECHONLY Ambient (preferred)
  Refrigerated 

Reject Due To

Wet/frozen tissue
Cytology smears
Nonformalin fixed tissue
Nonparaffin embedded tissue
Noncharged slides
ProbeOn slides
Snowcoat slides		 Reject

Clinical Information

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the syncytiotrophoblasts of the placenta and has the same biologic properties as pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH). hCG stimulates androgen and progesterone production in women and helps maintain the corpus luteum of pregnancy. hCG is a heterodimeric hormone of 36kD with subunits designated alpha and beta. Many neoplasms including choriocarcinomas and adenocarcinomas may express hCG.

Interpretation

This test does not include pathologist interpretation, only technical performance of the stain. If interpretation is required, order PATHC / Pathology Consultation for a full diagnostic evaluation or second opinion of the case.

 

The positive and negative controls are verified as showing appropriate immunoreactivity. If a control tissue is not included on the slide, a scanned image of the relevant quality control tissue is available upon request; call 855-516-8404.

 

Interpretation of this test should be performed in the context of the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic tests by a qualified pathologist.

Cautions

Age of a cut paraffin section can affect immunoreactivity. Stability thresholds vary widely among published literature and are antigen dependent. Best practice is for paraffin sections to be cut within 6 weeks.

 

The charge of glass slides can be affected by environmental factors and subsequently may alter slide staining. Sending unsuitable glass slides can result in inconsistent staining due to poor slide surface chemistry.

 

Best practices for storage of positively charged slides:

-Minimize time slides are stored after being unpackaged

-Limit exposure to high humidity and heat

-Minimize exposure to plastics

Clinical Reference

1. Lenhard M, Tsvilina A, Schumacher L, et al. Human chorionic gonadotropin and its relation to grade, stage and patient survival in ovarian cancer. BMC Cancer. 2012;12:2. doi:10.1186/1471-2407-12-2

2. Mustafa A, Bozdag Z, Tepe NB, Ozcan HC. An unexpected reason for elevated human chorionic gonadotropin in a young woman. Cervical squamous carcinoma. Saudi Med J. 2016;37(8):905-907. doi:10.15537/2016.8.14529

3. Khattri S, Vivekanandarajah A, Varma S, Kong F. Secretion of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin by non-small cell lung cancer: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2011;5:19. doi:10.1186/1752-1947-5-19

4. Magaki S, Hojat SA, Wei B, So A, Yong WH. An Introduction to the Performance of Immunohistochemistry. Methods Mol Biol. 2019;1897:289-298. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-8935-5_25

Method Description

Immunohistochemistry on sections of paraffin-embedded tissue.(Unpublished Mayo method)

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Specimen Retention Time

Until staining is complete.

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

88342-TC, primary

88341-TC, if additional IHC

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
HCG Chorion Gonadotropin IHC, Tech Only Order only;no result

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
70768 Chorion Gonadotropin IHC, Tech Only Bill only; no result

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Immunohistochemical (IHC)/In Situ Hybridization (ISH) Stains Request (T763) with the specimen.

Testing Algorithm

For the initial technical component only immunohistochemical (IHC) stain performed, the appropriate bill-only test ID will be reflexed and charged (IHTOI). For each additional technical component only IHC stain performed, an additional bill-only test ID will be reflexed and charged (IHTOA).