Pregnancy Test

Pregnancy Test technology for detecting early pregnancy has advanced rapidly in recent decades. There are now blood and urine tests that will reliably diagnose normal pregl1ancy before a period is missed, and there is a test on the horizon to detect a fertilised ovum (egg) before it has implanted in the uterus.

Both urine and blood pregnancy tests pinpoint the presence of a hormone produced by the placenta. Measurable quantities of this hormone (human chorionic gonadotrophin - HCG for short) can be found in the mother's blood and urine about 4 days after implantation - that is 3 days before a period is due.

Many urine pregnancy test kits are available from pharmacies for use at home after a period has been missed. These tests are simple, and reliable when done according to the manufacturer's instructions. Urine tests for use at home and by doctors, or nurses take about 2 minutes.

Measurement of the amount of HCG in a mother's blood can assist in the diagnosis of pregnancy disorders such as missed abortion, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy developing outside the uterus) and hydatidiform mole.

The sensitivity of the pregnancy tests on the market today vary greatly. Some home pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others. Occasionally, particularly if the test is taken too early, home pregnancy tests give false negatives, meaning the test will indicate that you are not pregnant when it is really too early to tell. There are many different types of home pregnancy tests. Most popular home pregnancy tests work in a similar way. The majority tell the user to hold a stick in the urine stream. Others involve collecting urine in a cup and then dipping the stick into it. Women can conduct an at-home pregnancy test by testing a sample of urine about two weeks after conception, or about the time a period is due. Home pregnancy tests have become more accurate in the last decade. It is recommended that users repeat the test in a few days, whether the result is positive or negative. If the home pregnancy test is negative, this does not necessarily mean that you are not pregnant.

Why the test is performed?

• To diagnose abnormal conditions that can raise HCG levels.
• To determine if you are pregnant.
• Sometimes a qualitative test will be performed at your doctor's to confirm the results of your home test.

What are the advantages of home pregnancy test?

• The test is very simple and is easy to perform.
• The test enables women to seek antenatal care as soon as possible.
• Home Pregnancy test enables the user to find out whether she is pregnant or not within the confines of the home.

What the risks are?

• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin).
• Excessive bleeding.
• Multiple punctures to locate veins. There are no medical risks associated with testing for pregnancy.