Why is this procedure done?
Pregnancy tests are used to find out if you are pregnant. The test works by looking for high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG. Your body makes this hormone when you are pregnant. Sometimes, doctors check hCG levels to watch a pregnancy. ‚
What will the results be?
You will be able to know if you are pregnant or not. With some tests, you will find if hCG levels rise or not. Your doctor will tell you what your hCG levels may mean. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
You can have a pregnancy test with a urine or blood sample. Collect a urine sample the first time you pass urine in the day. During this time when you will have the highest levels of hCG in your urine. Be sure to wait until the first day of your missed period for your test. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
Urine tests can be done at home, in a hospital, or in an outpatient setting. ‚
- First, you need to collect your urine in a cup.
- If you are at home, use a dipping stick or a dropper to get a urine sample. Put the sample on the pregnancy test kit.
- Results will show you if you are pregnant or not. You will be able to look for change in color, line, or a symbol. The display of results is based on the kit you used.
Blood test is done in a hospital or outpatient setting. A little blood will be drawn from your arm with a needle. There are 2 types of blood tests: ‚
- Qualitative. This type of result tells if hCG hormone is present. Qualitative results will show if you are pregnant or not.
- Quantitative. This type of result tells how much hCG hormone is present. Quantitative results will show the progress of your babys growth.
What happens after the procedure?
For urine tests, you will be able to know the results in a few minutes. If a urine test is done at an office, the doctor will tell you the results right away. Blood tests have to be sent to a lab. Ask your doctor if you will get the results in a few hours or more than a day. ‚
What care is needed at home?
You can go back to your normal activities after the test. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
If the test is positive, you are pregnant. You can make a plan for follow-up care with your doctor. ‚
If the test is negative but you do not start your period, talk to your doctor. You will need to have another urine or blood test done. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Your doctor will tell you what changes you may need based on your results. ‚
What problems could happen?
Call your doctor if you have any concern about your test. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/wellness/pregnancy/first-hcg ‚
American Pregnancy Association ‚
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/understandpregnancytests.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚