Alpha Subunit

Clinical Significance

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.

Specimen Requirements

1.0 mL Serum from a Red Top Tube in a Plastic Vial

Alternate Specimen

TransportAndStorage

7 days Ambient (transport)
10 days Refrigerated
28 days Frozen

Collection Instructions

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL Serum

Neonatal Volumne

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

Test Comments:

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.

Methodology:

• Electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA)

Clinical Significance

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.

CDM

00913333

CPT Coding

82397