Tests:Beta HCG, Blood (POCT)

Overview
Department	Point of Care Testing (POCT)
Test Code	N/A
Synonyms	Pregnancy related HCG HCG - pregnancy test BHCG - pregnancy test Pregnancy test Human chorionic gonadotrophin - pregnancy related
Availability	Monday - Sunday at Hawera Hospital, available out of hours for emergencies
Turnaround Time	10 minutes once cartridge is loaded into the i-Stat
Stability – Add test	30 minutes
Specimen Requirements
Specimen	Venous sample collected into Heparinized
Preferred	Heparinized whole blood or plasma samples collected in plastic syringes or evacuated tubes containing lithium or sodium heparin filled to capacity.
Acceptable	Heparinized whole blood or plasma samples collected in plastic syringes or evacuated tubes containing lithium or sodium heparin filled to capacity.
Unacceptable	Grossly haemolysed samples are unacceptable
Minimum Volume	17 IU/L whole blood
Specimen Collection and Transportation
Test Information
Test Method	i-Stat - Total β-hCG Cartridge
Unit of Measurement	IU/L
Reference Intervals	Reportable range 5.0 – 2000.0 IU/L < 5.0 IU/L - Negative > 5.0 - 25.0 IU/L - Equivocal / Indeterminate >25.0 IU/L - Positive
Uncertainty of measurement	N/A
Additional Information	Provides a quantitative and qualitative determination of β-hCG to aid in the early detection of pregnancy
Comments
Quick user guides for testing should be available with the meter. All procedures, worksheets and competency checklist for sign-off are available on the intranet to all Health NZ Staff. This test is covered under the current IANZ Laboratory accreditation.

Owner	Pam Chung (Pchung)
Last reviewed	04.12.2025
Next review	04.12.2026 (OK)