What is this test?
Total β-hCG measures a hormone that is normally produced during pregnancy. Outside of pregnancy, it can be used as a marker in some trophoblastic and germ cell tumors.
Why might it be ordered?
- To detect or follow an early pregnancy when requested by your clinician.
- To evaluate and monitor certain tumors of the testes, ovaries or trophoblastic tissue.
What sample is needed?
A healthcare professional collects a venous blood sample. Depending on the method, the laboratory uses serum or plasma.
How should you prepare?
Tell the laboratory about all medicines, hormone treatments, vitamins and supplements you take. Do not stop or change treatment unless your clinician tells you to. Follow any instructions about fasting and the time of collection.
How should you understand the result?
In pregnancy, the value changes with gestational age and the trend is often important. Outside of pregnancy, a small increase can have various causes and requires confirmation. A trend across consecutive measurements made with a comparable method is often more informative than a single value.
Sources and editorial status
This patient-facing text is an editorial draft. It should be approved by a laboratory physician before official publication.