How does a pregnancy test work?
Pregnancy tests detect the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a woman’s urine or blood. This hormone is produced by the placenta after a fertilized egg has implanted in the uterus.
Most home pregnancy tests are urine-based tests that use a small strip or stick that is dipped into a urine sample or exposed to urine on the stick itself. The test strip contains antibodies that are designed to react with hCG, and if hCG is present in the urine, it will bind to the antibodies and cause a visible signal to appear on the strip, indicating a positive result.
Blood tests for pregnancy can also be performed, and are typically more sensitive than urine tests. A blood test can detect hCG in the blood as early as 7-12 days after conception, while a urine test may not be accurate until a week or two after a missed period.
It’s important to note that pregnancy tests can produce false negative results if the test is taken too early, before hCG levels have risen enough to be detected. Additionally, some medications or medical conditions can also interfere with the accuracy of a pregnancy test. It’s always a good idea to follow up with a healthcare provider if you suspect you may be pregnant.
Pregnancy tests detect a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or blood. The presence of hCG indicates that a woman is pregnant.
You can take a pregnancy test as early as the first day of your missed period. However, some tests can detect hCG even earlier, as soon as 10 days after conception.
There are two types of pregnancy tests: urine tests and blood tests. Urine tests are more common and can be done at home or at a doctor’s office. Blood tests are more sensitive and can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests.
Pregnancy tests are highly accurate if done correctly. However, false negative results can occur if the test is taken too early or if the test is not done correctly. False positive results are rare but can occur if you have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications.
If your pregnancy test is positive, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and receive prenatal care.
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