Pregnancy test
Key points
- A pregnancy test is a test of blood or urine used to determine whether a woman is pregnant.
- The qualitative urine human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test is usually performed by placing a drop of urine on a prepared chemical strip.
- The urine test involves normal urination into a cup.
- Qualitative tests Women who are late for their menstrual period (menses) often perform qualitative urine tests at home.
Definition
A pregnancy test is a test of blood or urine used to determine whether a woman is pregnant.
See the following tests:
How the test is performed
The qualitative urine human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test is usually performed by placing a drop of urine on a prepared chemical strip. It usually takes one or two minutes for the strip to indicate the result.
The qualitative and quantitative serum tests are performed by drawing a single tube of blood and sending it to a laboratory. You may wait anywhere from a few hours to more than a day to get the results.
Quantitative tests are used to measure the level of HCG in your blood, which gives your doctor more information than the qualitative test.
How the test will feel
The urine test involves normal urination into a cup. The serum tests involve drawing blood through a needle and into a tube. Any discomfort you might feel from the blood draw will only last a few seconds.
Why the test is performed
Qualitative tests
Women who are late for their menstrual period (menses) often perform qualitative urine tests at home. Qualitative tests only indicate whether you are pregnant or not - yes or no. Home pregnancy tests are available at pharmacies and do not require prescriptions.
Sometimes the test will be performed at your doctor's office before the first prenatal visit. This is done just to confirm the results of your home test. Doctors also perform a qualitative urine pregnancy test before performing a procedure or prescribing a medication that might adversely affect an existing pregnancy.
The qualitative urine test can detect HCG levels above 25-50 milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL). Serum tests can detect HCG levels above 5-10 mIU/mL.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.