Collect: Urine in a plastic container. First-morning urine is the preferred specimen as it usually contains the highest concentration of beta-hCG; however, any specimen is suitable for testing.
Specimen Preparation: Transfer 1 mL aliquot of urine to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. If frozen, mix after thawing. Do not refreeze.
Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.
Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: 6 months (one freeze/thaw cycle is acceptable)