Alpha Subunit
Test Summary
This assay is useful in the diagnosis and management of various pituitary, placental, pancreatic and hCG-producing tumors. The assay can also be useful for investigations where alpha subunit is increased under various physiological stimuli, e.g., GnRH stimulation and TRH stimulation tests.
Aliases
- N/A
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
N/A
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days
- Refrigerated: 10 days
- Frozen: 28 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Gross hemolysis • Grossly icteric • Plasma
Order Code
ASUBU
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB3678
Includes
This test measures the alpha subunit that is common to LH, FSH, TSH and hCG. These hormones are comprised of identical alpha subunits and unique beta subunits that confer biological specificity.
CPT Code
- 83520
Billing Code
- 700000
CPT Statement
Methodology
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has determined that such clearance or approval is not necessary. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano CA, 92675
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano CA, 92675
Reference Range
| Males | 0.1-0.5 ng/mL | |||||
| Premenopausal Females | 0.1-0.6 ng/mL | |||||
| Postmenopausal Females | 0.1-1.5 ng/mL | |||||
| Pregnancy (1st and 2nd Trimesters) | 35.0-186.0 ng/mL | |||||
| Hypothyroidism | 0.2-3.2 ng/mL | |||||
This test measures the free alpha subunit that is common to LH, FSH, TSH and hCG. These hormones are comprised of identical alpha subunits and unique beta subunits that confer biological specificity.
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Tuesday, Friday; Report available: 4 - 11 days
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
N/A
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days
- Refrigerated: 10 days
- Frozen: 28 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Gross hemolysis • Grossly icteric • Plasma
Result Information
Methodology
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
| Males | 0.1-0.5 ng/mL | |||||
| Premenopausal Females | 0.1-0.6 ng/mL | |||||
| Postmenopausal Females | 0.1-1.5 ng/mL | |||||
| Pregnancy (1st and 2nd Trimesters) | 35.0-186.0 ng/mL | |||||
| Hypothyroidism | 0.2-3.2 ng/mL | |||||
This test measures the free alpha subunit that is common to LH, FSH, TSH and hCG. These hormones are comprised of identical alpha subunits and unique beta subunits that confer biological specificity.
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Tuesday, Friday; Report available: 4 - 11 days