When should hCG be tested for pregnancy?

• A. Any time in the day
• B. First thing in the morning when hCG is highest
• C. Only after missed period
• D. Two weeks after intercourse

Answer: (B)

Testing first thing in the morning is best because hCG is most concentrated in the urine after overnight accumulation. A concentrated urine sample increases the likelihood of detecting the hormone if pregnancy has begun, reducing the chance of a false negative when hCG levels are still low. After implantation, hCG rises rapidly, but early on a diluted urine sample can miss it, so using the first-morning urine improves test sensitivity.

If a pregnancy is suspected despite a negative result, repeat the test in a couple of days or opt for a serum hCG test, which can detect smaller amounts of hCG earlier than most urine tests.