What preoperative laboratory study is routinely ordered for premenopausal women without a history of hysterectomy?

The correct answer is HCG, which stands for human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone is often tested in premenopausal women to determine whether they are pregnant, as the presence of HCG in the bloodstream indicates pregnancy. For women who have not undergone a hysterectomy, it is essential to ascertain their pregnancy status prior to surgery, due to the potential implications for surgical procedures and anesthesia, as well as the considerations for fetal safety.

In contrast, the other laboratory studies listed typically do not serve the same purpose in this context. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) testing is generally ordered based on individual risk factors or specific clinical situations rather than routinely for all premenopausal women. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing also follows similar guidelines, focusing on high-risk populations or specific clinical indications rather than a blanket requirement. Lastly, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels might be evaluated in relation to cardiovascular health but do not have direct relevance to preoperative assessments in this demographic.