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Pregnancy Test
Synonyms
human chorionic gonadotropin test, HCG test, pregancy test
Purpose
A Pregnancy Test confirms whether a person is pregnant by detecting the presence of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in either blood or urine. The hormone is produced by the placenta shortly after fertilization and implantation.
This test is important because it provides early confirmation of pregnancy, allowing individuals and healthcare providers to make timely decisions regarding prenatal care, lifestyle adjustments, or further medical evaluation.
Other medical tests often performed alongside a pregnancy test include, ultrasound scan, a progesterone test, a quantitative hCG (Beta hCG) Test, a complete blood count (CBC), and urinalysis.
Patient Preparation
No special preparations are required.
Samples
Collect 1 ml of urine with a minimum volume of 0.5 ml in a plastic container. To increase the accuracy of the test, collect the sample during the first urination of the morning. After collection, deliver the sample to the laboratory and refrigerate it.
Reference Range
Negative/Normal
Results Turnaround
1 day after receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic Indicators of Pregnancy
Possible outcomes of the test include:
- Positive Result: Indicates the presence of hCG in the blood or urine, confirming pregnancy. A positive test may prompt follow-up tests such as an ultrasound or quantitative hCG test to assess the health and progression of the pregnancy.
- Negative Result: Suggests that hCG was not detected, meaning the individual is likely not pregnant. However, if taken too early, the test may give a false negative. In such cases, retesting after a few days or performing a blood test may be recommended.
- Low or Abnormal hCG Levels: May signal a potential concern such as an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or non-viable pregnancy, requiring immediate follow-up and medical evaluation.
- High hCG Levels (beyond expected range): Can sometimes indicate multiple pregnancies (twins or more) or, in rare cases, molar pregnancy.
Pregnancy tests are a critical first step in confirming pregnancy, but interpretation of results should always consider timing and clinical context. For more on pregnancy testing, read this study.