Beta Human Chorionic Gonodotropin, Free Test

The Human chorionic gonadotropin test is done to check for the hormone hCG in blood or urine of a woman. This test can be used to check the exact amount of the hormone or whether it is present or not. In general, the blood test happens to be more sensitive to the hCG hormone and can be done two days before a woman would expect her period to start. Urine tests may show a falsely negative test, which may lead to repeated testing if the suspicion of pregnancy remains.

The more commonly used blood test, unlike other tests, does not require fasting. No other special preparation is required. It is advisable for the test taker to inform their doctor or test provider about any medical conditions or allergies otherwise existing. The doctor must also be informed of any other medications that the test taker is taking, pursuant to which the doctor will give the person specific instructions.

For the urine test, excessive intake of fluid must be avoided as it may dilute the sample and show a false negative. It is advisable that the test taker wears a shirt or t-shirt which exposes the forearm or is loose enough to roll up, as the test site is the forearm.

This test is routinely ordered to screen for pregnancy. Since hCG rises rapidly, if suspicion exists despite a negative test, another test is conducted several days later. It is also used to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, to monitor a failing pregnancy or a woman’s condition after a miscarriage. It is also used to screen for fetal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome or for maternal serum screening. This may also aid in diagnosing molar pregnancy or a cancer in the uterus.

The drawing of blood is done in a test centre, hospital or at home by a trained professional. The site of drawing blood is generally the inside of your elbow. The area is first rubbed with alcohol using a cotton pad. A disposable needle is injected into a vein which can be seen in this area and blood is drawn. This is then stored in a specific container with the details of the person. This sample is sent to the research laboratory for results. For urine, the sample has to be collected by the person in a vial and it must be returned. This will also be sent to the lab for results.