CAP Pro Course - Immunology - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Fetal Fibronectin (2025 & 2026)

Author: Kevin F. Foley, PhD, DABCC, MT, SC
Reviewer: Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Explain the physiologic role of hCG, and how and why this protein is measured both qualitatively and quantitatively.
  • Explain the methodologies used to measure hCG.
  • Explain the limitations of urine hCG testing in the clinical setting.
  • Compare and contrast the use of hCG testing during pregnancy from its use as a tumor marker.
  • Describe the physiology, clinical utility, and test methodology for fetal fibronectin.

Course Outline

  • Explain the physiologic role of hCG, and how and why this protein is measured both qualitatively and quantitatively.
      • Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
      • The Beta Subunit and Pregnancy
      • Measuring hCG
      • Which of the following is not a true statement?
      • Which of the following is true concerning hCG concentrations throughout the course of pregnancy?
      • Why would laboratories measure beta-hCG rather than alpha-hCG?
      • At what point in pregnancy would urine or serum hCG concentration be expected to be highest?
  • Explain the methodologies used to measure hCG.
      • Immunoassays
      • Immunoassays, continued
      • Using hCG Immunoassays
      • Three urine samples are received in the laboratory for stat pregnancy tests. Test cassettes are appropriately labeled, and the tests are performed at ...
      • Which of the following statements is true?
      • A medical laboratory scientist is sent a urine sample for hCG testing. The sample appears clear, like water. Which of the following options represents...
      • A single urine sample is received for a urine pregnancy test and urinalysis testing. A rapid hCG test kit will be used for the pregnancy test, and the...
      • Which of the following is true concerning qualitative urine hCG devices?
  • Explain the limitations of urine hCG testing in the clinical setting.
      • Limitations with hCG Assays: Heterophile Antibodies
      • False Negatives
      • Hook Effect
      • Caveats with hCG Testing
      • Which of the following statements best describes a heterophile antibody?
      • Which of the following describes the hook effect?
      • A patient is being screened for pregnancy using an hCG serum assay. A result of 1,543 mIU/mL is obtained. The physician calls and explains that the ul...
      • Which of the following may cause a false-negative serum hCG test result?
  • Compare and contrast the use of hCG testing during pregnancy from its use as a tumor marker.
      • hCG as a Tumor Marker
      • Other Sources of hCG
      • A laboratory receives a specimen for hCG from a 67-year-old oncology patient. Which of the following would be true?
      • Your laboratory receives an order for alpha-hCG on a male patient. Which of the following is most likely correct?
      • A 54-year-old patient is having pre-surgical laboratory tests performed before a knee replacement. The urine hCG test is positive. They explain to the...
  • Describe the physiology, clinical utility, and test methodology for fetal fibronectin.
      • Predicting Delivery
      • Fetal Fibronectin
      • Which of the following statements is true?
      • A medical laboratory scientist is responsible for issuing specimen criteria for fFN testing in the laboratory. Which of the following is not appropria...
      • Which of the following is not true for fibronectin testing?
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: This program is designed as an educational and training tool for medical laboratory scientists and technicians, medical laboratory science students and interns, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
Author Information: Kevin F. Foley, PhD, DABCC, MT, SC, is the director of clinical pathology for the Kaiser Permanente Northwest region. He also teaches clinical chemistry at Oregon Health Sciences University. Dr. Foley earned his PhD in clinical pharmacology and toxicology at the East Carolina School of Medicine in North Carolina.
Reviewer Information: Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, is currently an Education Developer. She earned a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of North Dakota and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Xavier University. She has over 15 years of experience in higher education and has held program director and faculty positions in both MLT and MLS programs.

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