Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Measures a pregnancy-related hormone; also used in other clinical situations.

To confirm pregnancy, assess early pregnancy and monitor certain other conditions.

1. Check in advance whether the time of day, the day of your menstrual cycle or other timing matters.
2. Tell your doctor about medicines, hormone preparations and supplements. For some hormones, the collection time or cycle day matters.
3. Tell your doctor about hormone preparations and dietary supplements; do not change your treatment on your own.
4. Stay calm before the blood draw and keep to the time agreed with you.

Fasting is often not necessary for this test alone. If other tests have also been ordered, or your doctor has prescribed specific preparation, follow the agreed rules.

A specific time is generally not required. If your doctor has set a different time, follow those instructions.

• Hormone preparations and supplements
• Blood draw time or cycle phase, when relevant
• Immunoassay interference, including biotin on some platforms

Venous blood — serum or plasma, depending on the method

The blood sample is collected by a qualified staff member. The tube type, required volume, and processing and storage conditions are set by the laboratory's specific method. You do not need to store the sample yourself.

A raised β-hCG may be related to pregnancy, but a single value does not show where the pregnancy is located or whether it is viable.

If you are pregnant or have severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding or significant hormonal symptoms, see a gynecologist/endocrinologist; with emergency signs, seek care immediately.

In early pregnancy, a single negative result is not always final; your doctor will decide whether to repeat the test.