hCG
Also known as: Pregnancy test; Qualitatitve hCG; Quantitative hCG; Beta hCG; Total hCG; Total beta hCG
Formal name: Human chorionic gonadotropin
Related tests: Triple Screen or Quad Screen; First Trimester Down Syndrome Screen
Click here for more information on tests performed prior to and during Pregnancy.
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To confirm and monitor pregnancy or to help diagnose and monitor trophoblastic disease or germ cell tumors
When to Get Tested?
As early as 10 days after a missed menstrual period (some methods can detect hCG even earlier, at one week after conception) or if a doctor thinks that your symptoms suggest ectopic pregnancy, trophoblastic disease, or germ cell tumors
Sample Required?
A urine sample collected first thing in the morning or a blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm
Test Preparation Needed?
None needed; however, do not drink large amounts of fluid before collecting a urine sample for a pregnancy test because overly dilute urine may result in a false negative.
