Convenient Blood Pregnancy Testing for Mares
Hormone-Based Pregnancy Assessment Throughout Gestation
Confirming pregnancy in a mare is an important part of reproductive management. The Affordable Pet Labs Equine Blood Pregnancy Test measures pregnancy-associated hormones based on the mare’s estimated stage of gestation.
This panel includes:
- Progesterone
- Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin — PMSG
- Estrone Sulfate
Because each hormone is most useful during a different stage of pregnancy, the appropriate test is selected according to the estimated number of days since breeding.
Testing Timeline
Progesterone
Recommended when the mare is less than 60 days pregnant
Progesterone helps support early pregnancy and may provide information about luteal activity during the early gestational period.
A progesterone result should not be used alone to definitively confirm a normal pregnancy. Progesterone can remain elevated in some nonpregnant mares, and an abnormal result does not independently determine fetal viability.
Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin — PMSG
Recommended between 45 and 100 days pregnant
PMSG, also known as equine chorionic gonadotropin, is produced during early to mid-gestation. Detection during the appropriate testing window may support pregnancy confirmation.
PMSG may remain detectable for a period of time after pregnancy loss. For this reason, a positive result does not always confirm that the pregnancy is currently viable.
Estrone Sulfate
Recommended when the mare is more than 90 days pregnant
Estrone sulfate is associated with the developing fetoplacental unit and is generally most useful later in gestation.
Testing after 90 days may help support confirmation of an ongoing pregnancy. Results should be interpreted alongside breeding dates, reproductive history, physical examination findings, and ultrasound when available.
Which Test Is Right for Your Mare?
The estimated stage of pregnancy determines which hormone provides the most useful information:
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Less than 60 days: Progesterone
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45–100 days: PMSG
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More than 90 days: Estrone sulfate
There may be overlap in testing windows. In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend more than one hormone test or repeat testing to clarify the mare’s pregnancy status.
Accurate breeding or ovulation dates are important when selecting the correct test.
Who May Benefit From This Test?
The Equine Blood Pregnancy Test may be appropriate for:
- Mares without convenient access to reproductive ultrasound
- Mares that are difficult to transport
- Owners seeking pregnancy information after breeding
- Mares bred by live cover or artificial insemination
- Mares with uncertain pregnancy status
- Pregnancy monitoring when rectal palpation or ultrasound is not immediately available
- Mares requiring follow-up after an earlier pregnancy evaluation
- Herds needing practical reproductive screening
Mobile Blood Collection at Your Barn
Affordable Pet Labs helps simplify equine pregnancy testing by coordinating professional blood collection at your mare’s barn, breeding facility, or boarding location.
Availability may vary by geographic region. Farm-call or travel fees may apply depending on location, distance, and the number of horses being tested.
How It Works
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Order Online: Purchase the Equine Blood Pregnancy Test.
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Provide Breeding Information: Submit the breeding date, ovulation date if known, and relevant reproductive history.
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Select the Appropriate Test: The hormone test will be chosen based on the mare’s estimated stage of gestation.
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Schedule the Visit: Our team will coordinate blood collection at the mare’s location.
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Collect the Blood Sample: A qualified veterinary professional will collect the required sample.
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Laboratory Testing: The sample will be submitted to a professional veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
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Receive the Results: Results will be delivered electronically and may also be shared with the mare’s attending veterinarian.
Information Needed Before Testing
Please provide:
- Mare’s name and age
- Breed
- Date of breeding
- Ovulation date, if known
- Breeding method
- Stallion information, if available
- Previous pregnancy testing
- History of early embryonic loss or abortion
- Current medications or reproductive hormones
- Any recent reproductive procedures
Incorrect or uncertain breeding dates may affect test selection and interpretation.
Understanding the Results
A positive hormone result may support pregnancy, but blood testing does not provide all of the information available through reproductive ultrasound.
Blood pregnancy testing cannot always determine:
- Fetal heartbeat
- Fetal viability
- Twin pregnancy
- Exact gestational age
- Placental abnormalities
- Uterine abnormalities
- Fetal position
- Impending pregnancy loss
A negative result may occur if testing is performed too early, too late for the selected hormone, outside the optimal detection window, or after pregnancy loss.
Repeat blood testing or ultrasound may be recommended when results are unclear or inconsistent with the mare’s breeding history.
Blood Testing Versus Ultrasound
Ultrasound remains an important tool for evaluating early pregnancy, fetal viability, twin pregnancies, and reproductive tract health.
Blood testing can be a useful option when:
- Ultrasound is not immediately available
- The mare cannot be transported easily
- The owner wants additional pregnancy information
- The pregnancy is beyond the preferred early ultrasound window
- A veterinarian recommends hormone testing as part of reproductive monitoring
Blood testing should be viewed as a complementary reproductive tool rather than a complete replacement for veterinary examination and ultrasound.
Turnaround Time
Results are typically available within several business days after the laboratory receives an acceptable sample.
Turnaround times may vary due to:
- Shipping schedules
- Laboratory testing days
- Weekends and holidays
- Sample quality
- The specific hormone being measured
- Repeat or confirmatory testing
Important Veterinary Disclaimer
This test provides laboratory information and is not a substitute for a veterinary reproductive examination.
Affordable Pet Labs does not independently confirm fetal viability, diagnose reproductive disease, or provide breeding management recommendations based solely on blood test results.
Results should be reviewed with the mare’s attending veterinarian, particularly when:
- Breeding dates are uncertain
- Results are negative or inconclusive
- Pregnancy loss is suspected
- The mare has vaginal discharge
- The mare shows signs of colic or systemic illness
- The mare has a history of reproductive problems
- Twin pregnancy is possible
- Confirmation of fetal viability is needed
Immediate veterinary evaluation is recommended for any pregnant mare showing colic, fever, vaginal discharge, premature udder development, milk production, or other signs of possible pregnancy complications.
A Practical Option for Equine Pregnancy Assessment
The Equine Blood Pregnancy Test provides stage-appropriate hormone testing to help evaluate pregnancy status throughout gestation.
By measuring progesterone, PMSG, or estrone sulfate according to the mare’s estimated breeding timeline, this test provides useful reproductive information that can support informed discussions with your veterinarian.
Order the Equine Blood Pregnancy Test for convenient mobile sample collection and professional laboratory testing.
