The news of being pregnant is one of the most exciting news for a woman. However, to confirm pregnancy one needs to undergo tests. These tests check the presence of hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine or blood. The hCG is usually produced 6 days after the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. If pregnancy has occurred than hCG levels increase rapidly, doubling every 2-3 days.
Pregnancy tests performed
There are two types of pregnancy tests, which can be performed at home or under the supervision of a health care provider.
The common tests performed are:
1. Urine test: It can be done either at home or at a physician’s office. It’s the easiest and commonly used test to check the presence of hCG in urine. Many women perform urine test in case they have missed or late periods. The kit is easily available at a medical store without a prescription. It has all the necessary instructions along with a testing stick or strip. The kit also contains a cup for sample collection. If the home test is positive for pregnancy, a physician’s consultation should be taken for further tests and examination. The test generally takes 5 minutes. Presence of two lines on the stick indicates a positive result for pregnancy.
2. Blood test: It is a less commonly performed test and is usually done at the physician’s office. However, the test can detect the pregnancy quickly, just 6 to 8 days after ovulation. There are two types of blood tests that can be done to test pregnancy:
• Qualitative hCG test: To check the presence of hCG in blood. This test aims to confirm the pregnancy.
• Quantitative hCG test: To check the amount of hCG present in blood. This test aims to diagnose any problem or complication during pregnancy such as a tubal pregnancy.
Accuracy of the tests
The FDA has approved home pregnancy test to be around 99 per cent accurate. The blood tests; however, are more precise than urine test. The modern kits available for home tests are more sensitive than those used in the past. To get more accurate results, the tests should be performed after a week of missed periods.
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The accuracy of the test depends upon:
• How meticulously you follow the instructions
• Sensitivity of the test
• Time of taking the Pregnancy Test following missed periods
• Your ovulation time or when implantation occurs
Pregnancy Test result
A positive result confirms the pregnancy. The positive result should immediately be followed by a visit to the health care provider. Sometimes, there may be a false-positive result, which indicates the presence of excessive proteins, certain medicines (tranquilizers) or blood in the urine.
A negative result means no pregnancy. However, you may get negative results with Pregnancy Tests, the reasons for this are:
• Taking the test in wrong way without following the instructions
• Test performed immediately following ovulation
• Dilute urine sample is used for the test
• Intake of diuretics or any similar medicine
The woman should always opt for a second test after a week, in case there are missed periods with negative test results.
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