What is the correct procedure upon receipt of a test request for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the serum from a 60-year-old man?

What is the correct procedure upon receipt of a test request for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the serum from a 60-year-old man?

• A. Return the request; hCG is not performed on men
• B. Perform a qualitative hCG test to see if hCG is present
• C. Perform the test; hCG may be increased in testicular tumors
• D. Perform the test but use different standards and controls

Answer: (C)

When a serum test request for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is received from a 60-year-old man, the most appropriate procedure is to perform the test because hCG can indeed be elevated in certain conditions related to testicular tumors in men. hCG is a hormone typically associated with pregnancy, but it is also produced in small amounts in men and can become significantly elevated in pathological conditions, particularly with germ cell tumors of the testes. Therefore, testing men for hCG levels can be clinically relevant, especially when assessing for the presence of testicular tumors or other abnormalities. It’s essential to recognize that while hCG is primarily known for its role in pregnancy, its diagnostic utility extends to the detection and monitoring of specific tumors in males, making the performance of the test warranted in this context. This highlights the importance of considering the clinical background and symptoms presented alongside the request for testing.

When a serum test request for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is received from a 60-year-old man, the most appropriate procedure is to perform the test because hCG can indeed be elevated in certain conditions related to testicular tumors in men.

hCG is a hormone typically associated with pregnancy, but it is also produced in small amounts in men and can become significantly elevated in pathological conditions, particularly with germ cell tumors of the testes. Therefore, testing men for hCG levels can be clinically relevant, especially when assessing for the presence of testicular tumors or other abnormalities.

It’s essential to recognize that while hCG is primarily known for its role in pregnancy, its diagnostic utility extends to the detection and monitoring of specific tumors in males, making the performance of the test warranted in this context. This highlights the importance of considering the clinical background and symptoms presented alongside the request for testing.