Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Used in the diagnosis and monitoring of:Hydatidiform mole
Partial Mole
Complete Mole
Persistent Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Choriocarcinoma
Specimen container adult :
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Minimum volume adult:
2 mL
Transport requirements:
Despatched by 1st class post
Interpretation:
In the UK all cases of molar pregnancy should be registered for hCG based follow-up once the diagnosis of the molar pregnancy is made. The centre for the follow up of molar pregnancy in the northern region is Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield.
Once registered all patients send blood or urine specimens for measurement of the hCG level that allows the activity of any residual molar tissue to be followed. Samples are sent every two weeks and the results allow the team to continue to monitor the patients where the level is falling or to call in for treatment the minority where the level is static or rising.
Reference ranges:
Provided on report from referral laboratory.
Factors affecting result:
In hydatiform mole there may be weak TSH-like activity due to the very high concentrations of hCG.
A high dose hook effect may occur at concentrations >750,000 IU/L
Heterophilic antibodies can interfere with immunoassays.
Other info:
Known affected patients are registered with Sheffield’s molar pregnancy register, include patient’s reference number.