Other Names : Pregnancy Diagnostic Test (PDT), Urine Pregnancy Test (UPT)
Table of Contents
Description
A test done on urine to confirm pregnancy.This test can be done at home conveniently at home, chemist or laboratory.
Indications
Pregnancy test is done to confirm if a woman is pregnant
Test Principle
The test looks for the presence of b-hCG in pregnancy. After conception, this hormone is produced in large amounts by the placenta and is detectable in urine after 7-10 days post conception. The test strip membrane is impregnated with monoclonal antibodies at the test area.
The b-hcCG molecules moves up the membrane and interacts with the antibodies, forming a coloured precipitate which is visible to the naked eye. This type of tests are referred to as chromatographic immunoassays.
Sample
Urine
Test Preparation / Instructions
No special preparation is required, Its advisable not to drink too much water to avoid dilution of urine and therefore a falsely negative test. If test is negative and possibility of pregnancy is there, repeat in 2-3 days
Test Procedure
- Get a urine sample into a sterile container
- Dip a test strip into the urine up to the level indicated by an arrow.
- Wait 1-2 min to read the results.
Results Interpretation
A reddish to brown line(s) appear on the results part of the test strip. The first line is the control and must always appear. The second line appears only when the test is positive
There are 3 possible outcomes
- 1 Line – Negative i.e. Not Pregnant
- 2 lines – Positive (i.e Pregnant)
- 1 line (Positive only without the control line – Test invalid (repeat advised)
Pregnancy testing on Urine with possible outcomes
Reference Range
This is a qualitative test reported as either negative or positive
Follow-up Testing
- If the test is negative, It may be repeated in 2-3 days.
- If the woman is confirmed pregnant, an antenatal care (ANC) profile will be ordered by her primary caregiver. Click here to learn more about ANC Profiles.
- Antenatal Screening may also be advisable
Cost of Pregnancy Test
Test Strips range from Kes.20 – 200 depending on type. If the test is done in a hospital or a laboratory, the cost ranges from Kes. 100 – 400
Interesting Titbit >>> A pregnancy test can be positive in a man… See Comment Below
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