Pregnancy test: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|A test based on scientific data to determine if a female is pregnant}} |
{{Short description|A test based on scientific data to determine if a female is pregnant}} |
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{{use dmy dates|date=July 2020}} |
{{use dmy dates|date=July 2020}} |
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[[File:Pregnancy Test Positive.jpg|thumb|A modern hormone pregnancy test, showing a positive result]] |
[[File:Pregnancy Test Positive.jpg|thumb|A modern hormone pregnancy test, showing a positive result]] |
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[[File:Pregnancy test series starting to show positive.jpg|thumb|A series of pregnancy test strips, taken one per day at the beginning of a pregnancy.]] |
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A '''pregnancy test''' is used to determine whether a female is [[Pregnancy|pregnant]] or not. The two primary methods are testing for the female pregnancy hormone ([[human chorionic gonadotropin]] (hCG)) in blood or urine using a pregnancy test kit, and scanning with [[Medical ultrasound|ultrasonography]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Chard|first=T.|date=1992|title=REVIEW: Pregnancy tests: a review|url=https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/631514/REVIEW:|journal=Human Reproduction|language=en|volume=7|issue=5|pages=701–710|doi=10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a137722|pmid=1639991|issn=1460-2350}}</ref> Testing blood for hCG results in the earliest detection of pregnancy.<ref name=":222">{{Cite book|last1=Casanova|first1=Robert|title=Beckmann and Ling's obstetrics and gynecology|last2=Weiss|first2=Patrice M.|date=April 2018| |
A '''pregnancy test''' is used to determine whether a female is [[Pregnancy|pregnant]] or not. The two primary methods are testing for the female pregnancy hormone ([[human chorionic gonadotropin]] (hCG)) in blood or urine using a pregnancy test kit, and scanning with [[Medical ultrasound|ultrasonography]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Chard|first=T.|date=1992|title=REVIEW: Pregnancy tests: a review|url=https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/631514/REVIEW:|journal=Human Reproduction|language=en|volume=7|issue=5|pages=701–710|doi=10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a137722|pmid=1639991|issn=1460-2350}}</ref> Testing blood for hCG results in the earliest detection of pregnancy.<ref name=":222">{{Cite book|last1=Casanova|first1=Robert|title=Beckmann and Ling's obstetrics and gynecology|last2=Weiss|first2=Patrice M.|date=April 2018|last3=Chuang|first3=Alice|last4=Goepfert|first4=Alice R.|last5=Hueppchen|first5=Nancy A.|isbn=978-1-4963-5309-2|edition=8th|publisher=Wolters Kluwer|location=Philadelphia|oclc=949870151}}</ref> Almost all pregnant women will have a positive urine pregnancy test one week after the first day of a missed menstrual period.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|title=Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of early pregnancy|url=https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-early-pregnancy|last1=Bastian|first1=Lori A|last2=Brown|first2=Haywood L|date=November 2019|website=UpToDate}}</ref> |
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== Types == |
== Types == |
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[[File:How hCG Is Used To Indicate a Positive Pregnancy Test.svg|thumb|This image depicts how the hormone hCG, produced by pregnant women's placentas, is detected in urine pregnancy tests to indicate a positive result.]] |
[[File:How hCG Is Used To Indicate a Positive Pregnancy Test.svg|thumb|This image depicts how the hormone hCG, produced by pregnant women's placentas, is detected in urine pregnancy tests to indicate a positive result.]] |
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Identified in the early 20th century, [[human chorionic gonadotropin]] (hCG) is a [[Glycoprotein hormones, alpha polypeptide|glycoprotein hormone]] that rises quickly in the first few weeks of pregnancy, typically reaching a peak at 8- to 10-weeks [[Gestational age (obstetrics)|gestational age]].<ref name=":122">{{Cite journal|last=Cole|first=Laurence A|date=2010|title=Biological functions of hCG and hCG-related molecules|journal=Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology|language=en|volume=8|issue=1| |
Identified in the early 20th century, [[human chorionic gonadotropin]] (hCG) is a [[Glycoprotein hormones, alpha polypeptide|glycoprotein hormone]] that rises quickly in the first few weeks of pregnancy, typically reaching a peak at 8- to 10-weeks [[Gestational age (obstetrics)|gestational age]].<ref name=":122">{{Cite journal|last=Cole|first=Laurence A|date=2010|title=Biological functions of hCG and hCG-related molecules|journal=Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology|language=en|volume=8|issue=1|page=102|doi=10.1186/1477-7827-8-102|issn=1477-7827|pmc=2936313|pmid=20735820 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite journal|last1=Braunstein|first1=G. D.|last2=Rasor|first2=J.|last3=Danzer|first3=H.|last4=Adler|first4=D.|last5=Wade|first5=M. E.|date=15 November 1976|title=Serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels throughout normal pregnancy|journal=American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology|volume=126|issue=6|pages=678–681|doi=10.1016/0002-9378(76)90518-4|issn=0002-9378|pmid=984142}}</ref> hCG is produced by what will become the [[placenta]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Medical physiology: principles for clinical medicine|date=2009|publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins|editor-last1=Rhoades|editor-first1=Rodney|editor-last2=Bell|editor-first2=David R.|isbn=978-0-7817-6852-8|edition=3rd|location=Philadelphia|oclc=144771424}}</ref> hCG testing can be performed with a blood ([[Serum (blood)|serum]]) sample (typically done in a medical facility) or with urine (which can be performed in a medical facility or at home). The assays used to detect the presence of hCG in blood or urine are generally reliable and inexpensive. Secretion of hCG can occur as soon as 6 days following ovulation and on average 8–10 days following ovulation; this is the earliest hCG can be detected in a blood sample.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Wilcox|first1=A. J.|last2=Baird|first2=D. D.|last3=Weinberg|first3=C. R.|author3-link=Clarice Weinberg|date=10 June 1999|title=Time of implantation of the conceptus and loss of pregnancy|journal=The New England Journal of Medicine|volume=340|issue=23|pages=1796–1799|doi=10.1056/NEJM199906103402304|issn=0028-4793|pmid=10362823|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Lenton|first1=E. A.|last2=Neal|first2=L. M.|last3=Sulaiman|first3=R.|date=June 1982|title=Plasma concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin from the time of implantation until the second week of pregnancy|journal=Fertility and Sterility|volume=37|issue=6|pages=773–778|doi=10.1016/s0015-0282(16)46337-5|issn=0015-0282|pmid=7115557|doi-access=free}}</ref> The hCG concentration in blood is higher than in urine. Therefore, a blood test can be positive while the urine test is still negative.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=O'Connor|first1=R. E.|last2=Bibro|first2=C. M.|last3=Pegg|first3=P. J.|last4=Bouzoukis|first4=J. K.|date=July 1993|title=The comparative sensitivity and specificity of serum and urine HCG determinations in the ED|journal=The American Journal of Emergency Medicine|volume=11|issue=4|pages=434–436|doi=10.1016/0735-6757(93)90186-f|issn=0735-6757|pmid=8216535}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Davies|first1=Suzy|last2=Byrn|first2=Francis|last3=Cole|first3=Laurence A.|date=June 2003|title=Human chorionic gonadotropin testing for early pregnancy viability and complications|journal=Clinics in Laboratory Medicine|volume=23|issue=2|pages=257–264, vii|doi=10.1016/s0272-2712(03)00026-x|issn=0272-2712|pmid=12848444}}</ref> |
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Qualitative tests (yes/no or positive/negative results) look for the presence of the [[beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin]] (hCG) in blood or urine. For a qualitative test the thresholds for a positive test are generally determined by an hCG cut-off where at least 95% of pregnant women would get a positive result on the day of their first missed period.<ref name=":322">{{Cite book|title=Handbook of clinical laboratory testing during pregnancy|date=2004|publisher=Humana Press|editor-last=Gronowski|editor-first=Ann M.|isbn= |
Qualitative tests (yes/no or positive/negative results) look for the presence of the [[beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin]] (hCG) in blood or urine. For a qualitative test the thresholds for a positive test are generally determined by an hCG cut-off where at least 95% of pregnant women would get a positive result on the day of their first missed period.<ref name=":322">{{Cite book|title=Handbook of clinical laboratory testing during pregnancy|date=2004|publisher=Humana Press|editor-last=Gronowski|editor-first=Ann M.|isbn=1-58829-270-3|location=Totowa, N.J.|oclc=53325293}}</ref> Qualitative urine pregnancy tests vary in sensitivity. High-sensitivity tests are more common and typically detect hCG levels between 20 and 50 milli-international units/mL (mIU/mL). Low-sensitivity tests detect hCG levels between 1500 and 2000 mIU/mL and have unique clinical applications, including confirmation of medication abortion success.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Raymond|first1=Elizabeth G.|last2=Shochet|first2=Tara|last3=Bracken|first3=Hillary|date=July 2018|title=Low-sensitivity urine pregnancy testing to assess medical abortion outcome: A systematic review|journal=Contraception|volume=98|issue=1|pages=30–35|doi=10.1016/j.contraception.2018.03.013|pmid=29534996|s2cid=206967147|issn=0010-7824}}</ref> Qualitative urine tests available for home use are typically designed as [[lateral flow test]]s. |
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Quantitative tests measure the exact amount of hCG in the sample. Blood tests can detect hCG levels as low as 1 mIU/mL, and typically clinicians will diagnose a positive pregnancy test at 5mIU/mL.<ref name=":322" /> |
Quantitative tests measure the exact amount of hCG in the sample. Blood tests can detect hCG levels as low as 1 mIU/mL, and typically clinicians will diagnose a positive pregnancy test at 5mIU/mL.<ref name=":322" /> |
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[[File:Negative_Pregnancy_Test.JPG|thumb|200x200px|The control line of this pregnancy test is blank, making the test invalid]] |
[[File:Negative_Pregnancy_Test.JPG|thumb|200x200px|The control line of this pregnancy test is blank, making the test invalid]] |
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[[File:PositivePregnancyTest.JPG|alt=|thumb|200x200px|The control line on the left of this pregnancy test is visible, suggesting that the test result is valid. A pale purple line has also appeared on the right hand side (the test line) which clearly signifies that the subject is pregnant]] |
[[File:PositivePregnancyTest.JPG|alt=|thumb|200x200px|The control line on the left of this pregnancy test is visible, suggesting that the test result is valid. A pale purple line has also appeared on the right hand side (the test line) which clearly signifies that the subject is pregnant]] |
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A systematic review published in 1998 showed that home pregnancy test kits, when used by experienced technicians, are almost as accurate as professional laboratory testing (97.4%). When used by consumers, however, the accuracy fell to 75%: the review authors noted that many users misunderstood or failed to follow the instructions included in the kits.<ref>{{cite journal|vauthors=Bastian LA, Nanda K, Hasselblad V, Simel DL|year=1998|title=Diagnostic efficiency of home pregnancy test kits. A meta-analysis|url=http://archfami.ama-assn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=9755740 |
A systematic review published in 1998 showed that home pregnancy test kits, when used by experienced technicians, are almost as accurate as professional laboratory testing (97.4%). When used by consumers, however, the accuracy fell to 75%: the review authors noted that many users misunderstood or failed to follow the instructions included in the kits.<ref>{{cite journal|vauthors=Bastian LA, Nanda K, Hasselblad V, Simel DL|year=1998|title=Diagnostic efficiency of home pregnancy test kits. A meta-analysis|url=http://archfami.ama-assn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=9755740|journal=Arch Fam Med|volume=7|issue=5|pages=465–9|doi=10.1001/archfami.7.5.465|pmid=9755740|archive-url=https://archive.today/20081206110632/http://archfami.ama-assn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=9755740|archive-date=6 December 2008|access-date=12 May 2008}}</ref> |
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=== False positive === |
=== False positive === |
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* biochemical pregnancy (loss of pregnancy before signs of pregnancy are apparent on ultrasound, likely very soon after implantation), |
* biochemical pregnancy (loss of pregnancy before signs of pregnancy are apparent on ultrasound, likely very soon after implantation), |
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* and non-pregnant production of the hCG molecule (i.e. secretion due to a tumor or the pituitary gland, some diseases of the [[liver]], [[cancer]]s, including [[choriocarcinoma]] and other [[germ cell tumor]]s, [[Selective immunoglobulin A deficiency|IgA deficiencies]], [[Heterophile|heterophile antibodies]], enterocystoplasties, [[gestational trophoblastic disease]]s (GTD), and gestational [[trophoblastic neoplasm]]s).<ref name="ReferenceA2">{{cite journal|last1=Stenman|first1=Ulf-Håkan|last2=Alfthan|first2=Henrik|last3=Hotakainen|first3=Kristina|date=July 2004|title=Human chorionic gonadotropin in cancer|journal=Clinical Biochemistry|volume=37|issue=7|pages=549–561|doi=10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2004.05.008|pmid=15234236}}</ref><ref name=":02" /> |
* and non-pregnant production of the hCG molecule (i.e. secretion due to a tumor or the pituitary gland, some diseases of the [[liver]], [[cancer]]s, including [[choriocarcinoma]] and other [[germ cell tumor]]s, [[Selective immunoglobulin A deficiency|IgA deficiencies]], [[Heterophile|heterophile antibodies]], enterocystoplasties, [[gestational trophoblastic disease]]s (GTD), and gestational [[trophoblastic neoplasm]]s).<ref name="ReferenceA2">{{cite journal|last1=Stenman|first1=Ulf-Håkan|last2=Alfthan|first2=Henrik|last3=Hotakainen|first3=Kristina|date=July 2004|title=Human chorionic gonadotropin in cancer|journal=Clinical Biochemistry|volume=37|issue=7|pages=549–561|doi=10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2004.05.008|pmid=15234236}}</ref><ref name=":02" /> |
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* bacterial contamination and blood in urine<ref name="Wallach 2007 https://archive.org/details/interpretationof0000wall_t4n7/page/866 866">{{cite book|last=Wallach|first=Jacques|url=https://archive.org/details/interpretationof0000wall_t4n7|title=Interpretation of diagnostic tests|publisher=Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins|year=2007|isbn= |
* bacterial contamination and blood in urine<ref name="Wallach 2007 https://archive.org/details/interpretationof0000wall_t4n7/page/866 866">{{cite book|last=Wallach|first=Jacques|url=https://archive.org/details/interpretationof0000wall_t4n7|title=Interpretation of diagnostic tests|publisher=Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins|year=2007|isbn=978-0-7817-3055-6|edition=8th|location=Philadelphia|page=[https://archive.org/details/interpretationof0000wall_t4n7/page/866 866]|url-access=registration}}</ref> |
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Spurious ''evaporation lines'' may appear on many home pregnancy tests if read after the suggested 3–5 minute window or reaction time, independent of an actual pregnancy. False positives may also appear on tests used past their expiration date.<ref>{{Cite web|title=First Response early result pregnancy test|url=https://www.firstresponse.com/en/product-listings/-/media/81865E866A764C1CAB5B7B340B8E7F60.ashx#.pdf|website=FirstResponse.com}}</ref> |
Spurious ''evaporation lines'' may appear on many home pregnancy tests if read after the suggested 3–5 minute window or reaction time, independent of an actual pregnancy. False positives may also appear on tests used past their expiration date.<ref>{{Cite web|title=First Response early result pregnancy test|url=https://www.firstresponse.com/en/product-listings/-/media/81865E866A764C1CAB5B7B340B8E7F60.ashx#.pdf|website=FirstResponse.com}}</ref> |
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False positive pregnancy test can happen due to 'phantom hCG' which is due to people having human antianimal or heterophilic antibodies.<ref>{{cite book|last=Wallach|first=Jacques|title=Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis|publisher=Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins|year=2014|isbn=978- |
False positive pregnancy test can happen due to 'phantom hCG' which is due to people having human antianimal or heterophilic antibodies.<ref>{{cite book|last=Wallach|first=Jacques|title=Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis|publisher=Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins|year=2014|isbn=978-1-4511-9176-9|edition=10th|location=Philadelphia}}</ref> |
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False positives can also be caused by (in order of incidence) quiescent pregnancy, pituitary sulfated hCG, heterophilic antibody, familial hCG syndrome and cancer.<ref>{{cite book| |
False positives can also be caused by (in order of incidence) quiescent pregnancy, pituitary sulfated hCG, heterophilic antibody, familial hCG syndrome and cancer.<ref>{{cite book|author=Laurence A. Cole |author2=Stephen A. Butler |page=87|title=100 Years of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: Reviews and New Perspectives|publisher=Elsevier|year=2020|isbn=978-0-12-820050-6}}</ref> |
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====Due to use of medication==== |
====Due to use of medication==== |
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=== False negative === |
=== False negative === |
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[[Type I and type II errors|False negative]] readings can occur when testing is done too early. hCG levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy and the chances of false negative test results diminish with time (increasing [[Gestational age (obstetrics)|gestational age]]).<ref name="wilcox2">{{cite journal|vauthors=Wilcox AJ, Baird DD, [[Clarice Weinberg|Weinberg CR]]|year=1999|title=Time of implantation of the conceptus and loss of pregnancy|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|volume=340|issue=23|pages=1796–1799|doi=10.1056/NEJM199906103402304|pmid=10362823}}</ref> Less sensitive urine tests and qualitative blood tests may not detect pregnancy until three or four days after implantation.<ref>{{cite journal|vauthors=Wilcox AJ, Baird DD, Weinberg CR|date=June 1999|title=Time of implantation of the conceptus and loss of pregnancy|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|volume=340|issue=23|pages=1796–9|doi=10.1056/NEJM199906103402304|pmid=10362823}}</ref> [[Menstruation]] occurs on average 14 days after ovulation, so the likelihood of a false negative is low once a menstrual period is late. Ovulation may not occur at a predictable time in the [[menstrual cycle]]. A number of factors may cause an unexpectedly early or late ovulation, even for people with a history of regular menstrual cycles.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Chard|first=T.|date=May 1992|title=Pregnancy tests: a review|journal=Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)|volume=7|issue=5|pages=701–710|doi=10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a137722|issn=0268-1161|pmid=1639991}}</ref> |
[[Type I and type II errors|False negative]] readings can occur when testing is done too early. hCG levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy and the chances of false negative test results diminish with time (increasing [[Gestational age (obstetrics)|gestational age]]).<ref name="wilcox2">{{cite journal|vauthors=Wilcox AJ, Baird DD, [[Clarice Weinberg|Weinberg CR]]|year=1999|title=Time of implantation of the conceptus and loss of pregnancy|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|volume=340|issue=23|pages=1796–1799|doi=10.1056/NEJM199906103402304|pmid=10362823|doi-access=free}}</ref> Less sensitive urine tests and qualitative blood tests may not detect pregnancy until three or four days after implantation.<ref>{{cite journal|vauthors=Wilcox AJ, Baird DD, Weinberg CR|date=June 1999|title=Time of implantation of the conceptus and loss of pregnancy|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|volume=340|issue=23|pages=1796–9|doi=10.1056/NEJM199906103402304|pmid=10362823|doi-access=free}}</ref> [[Menstruation]] occurs on average 14 days after ovulation, so the likelihood of a false negative is low once a menstrual period is late. Ovulation may not occur at a predictable time in the [[menstrual cycle]]. A number of factors may cause an unexpectedly early or late ovulation, even for people with a history of regular menstrual cycles.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Chard|first=T.|date=May 1992|title=Pregnancy tests: a review|journal=Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)|volume=7|issue=5|pages=701–710|doi=10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a137722|issn=0268-1161|pmid=1639991}}</ref> Medical providers often struggle to 'rule out' pregnancy for medical testing or treatment that cannot be conducted during pregnancy before they can do an accurate urine pregnancy test.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Brown |first1=Eliza |date=2020 |title=Projected diagnosis, anticipatory medicine, and uncertainty: How medical providers 'rule out' potential pregnancy in contraceptive counseling |journal=Social Science & Medicine |volume=258 |pages=113–118 |doi=10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113118 |doi-access=free |pmid=32569949 }}</ref> |
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More rare, false negative results can also occur due to a "[[hook effect]]", where a sample with a very high level of hCG is tested without dilution, causing an invalid result.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Griffey|first1=Richard T.|last2=Trent|first2=Caleb J.|last3=Bavolek|first3=Rebecca A.|last4=Keeperman|first4=Jacob B.|last5=Sampson|first5=Christopher|last6=Poirier|first6=Robert F.|date=January 2013|title="Hook-like effect" causes false-negative point-of-care urine pregnancy testing in emergency patients|journal=The Journal of Emergency Medicine|volume=44|issue=1|pages=155–160|doi=10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.05.032|issn=0736-4679|pmid=21835572}}</ref> |
More rare, false negative results can also occur due to a "[[hook effect]]", where a sample with a very high level of hCG is tested without dilution, causing an invalid result.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Griffey|first1=Richard T.|last2=Trent|first2=Caleb J.|last3=Bavolek|first3=Rebecca A.|last4=Keeperman|first4=Jacob B.|last5=Sampson|first5=Christopher|last6=Poirier|first6=Robert F.|date=January 2013|title="Hook-like effect" causes false-negative point-of-care urine pregnancy testing in emergency patients|journal=The Journal of Emergency Medicine|volume=44|issue=1|pages=155–160|doi=10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.05.032|issn=0736-4679|pmid=21835572|doi-access=free}}</ref> |
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==== False negative during pregnancy ==== |
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A false negative during [[pregnancy]] refers to a situation where a pregnancy test incorrectly indicates that a woman is not pregnant when she actually is. False negatives can occur for various reasons, including taking the test too early, using a low-sensitivity test, or not following the instructions correctly. |
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Here are some factors that can contribute to a false negative result in a pregnancy test: |
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* Testing too early: [https://sarjoworld.com/pregnancy-test-in-blood-vs-urine-who-is-better/ Pregnancy tests] detect the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or blood. The levels of hCG increase rapidly after implantation of the fertilized egg, but they may not be high enough to be detected by a test in the early stages of pregnancy. Testing too early, especially before a missed period, can increase the likelihood of a [[False positives and false negatives|false negative]]. |
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* Using a low-sensitivity test: [[Pregnancy Test (Schitt's Creek)|Pregnancy tests]] vary in their sensitivity to hCG. Some tests are more sensitive and can detect lower levels of the hormone, while others require higher levels to give a positive result. If you are testing early or using a less sensitive test, it may not detect the lower levels of [[Human chorionic gonadotropin|hCG]], leading to a false negative. |
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* Diluted urine: If you consume a large amount of fluids before taking the test or have excessive urination, it can dilute the concentration of hCG in your urine. This can potentially result in a false negative because the hCG levels may be too low to be detected. |
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* Improper test usage: It's crucial to carefully follow the instructions provided with the [[pregnancy]] test kit. Using the test incorrectly, such as not using enough urine, not waiting for the recommended time, or misinterpreting the results, can lead to inaccurate outcomes. |
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If you suspect you might be [[Pregnant with Success|pregnant]] despite a negative test result, it's recommended to wait a few days and retest. If you continue to have concerns or your menstrual period is significantly delayed, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide further evaluation and advice. They may recommend a [https://sarjoworld.com/pregnancy-test-in-blood-vs-urine-who-is-better/ blood test] or an ultrasound for a more accurate assessment of pregnancy. |
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== Other uses == |
== Other uses == |
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Records of attempts at pregnancy testing have been found as far back as the [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greek]] and [[ancient Egypt]]ian cultures. The ancient Egyptians watered bags of [[wheat]] and [[barley]] with the urine of a possibly pregnant woman. Germination indicated pregnancy. The type of grain that sprouted was taken as an indicator of the fetus's sex.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ghalioungui|first1=P.|last2=Khalil|first2=SH.|last3=Ammar|first3=A. R.|title=On an Ancient Egyptian Method of Diagnosing Pregnancy and Determining Foetal Sex|date=July 1963|journal=Medical History|volume=7|issue=3|pages=241–6|doi=10.1017/s0025727300028386|issn=0025-7273|pmc=1034829|pmid=13960613}}</ref> [[Hippocrates]] suggested that a woman who had missed her period should drink a solution of [[honey]] in water at bedtime: resulting abdominal distention and cramps would indicate the presence of a pregnancy. [[Avicenna]] and many physicians after him in the [[Middle Ages]] performed ''[[uroscopy]]'', a nonscientific method to evaluate urine. |
Records of attempts at pregnancy testing have been found as far back as the [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greek]] and [[ancient Egypt]]ian cultures. The ancient Egyptians watered bags of [[wheat]] and [[barley]] with the urine of a possibly pregnant woman. Germination indicated pregnancy. The type of grain that sprouted was taken as an indicator of the fetus's sex.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ghalioungui|first1=P.|last2=Khalil|first2=SH.|last3=Ammar|first3=A. R.|title=On an Ancient Egyptian Method of Diagnosing Pregnancy and Determining Foetal Sex|date=July 1963|journal=Medical History|volume=7|issue=3|pages=241–6|doi=10.1017/s0025727300028386|issn=0025-7273|pmc=1034829|pmid=13960613}}</ref> [[Hippocrates]] suggested that a woman who had missed her period should drink a solution of [[honey]] in water at bedtime: resulting abdominal distention and cramps would indicate the presence of a pregnancy. [[Avicenna]] and many physicians after him in the [[Middle Ages]] performed ''[[uroscopy]]'', a nonscientific method to evaluate urine. |
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[[Selmar Aschheim]] and [[Bernhard Zondek]] introduced testing based on the presence of [[human chorionic gonadotropin]] (hCG) in 1928.<ref>{{cite book | last = Speert | first = Harold | title = Iconographia Gyniatrica | publisher = F. A. Davis | year = 1973 | location = Philadelphia | isbn = 978-0-8036-8070-8 }}</ref> Early studies of hCG had concluded that it was produced by the [[pituitary gland]]. In the 1930s, Doctor [[Georgeanna Jones]] discovered that hCG was produced not by the pituitary gland, but by the [[placenta]]. This discovery was important in relying on hCG as an early marker of pregnancy.<ref name="jones obit">{{cite journal | vauthors = Damewood MD, Rock JA | title = In memoriam: Georgeanna Seegar Jones, M.D.: her legacy lives on | journal = Fertility and Sterility | volume = 84 | issue = 2 | pages = 541–2 | date = August 2005 | pmid = 16363033 | doi = 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.04.019 | url = http://www.jonesinstitutefoundation.org/downloads/GeorgeannaJones.pdf | publisher = American Society for Reproductive Medicine | access-date = 31 December 2007 |
[[Selmar Aschheim]] and [[Bernhard Zondek]] introduced testing based on the presence of [[human chorionic gonadotropin]] (hCG) in 1928.<ref>{{cite book | last = Speert | first = Harold | title = Iconographia Gyniatrica | publisher = F. A. Davis | year = 1973 | location = Philadelphia | isbn = 978-0-8036-8070-8 }}</ref> Early studies of hCG had concluded that it was produced by the [[pituitary gland]]. In the 1930s, Doctor [[Georgeanna Jones]] discovered that hCG was produced not by the pituitary gland, but by the [[placenta]]. This discovery was important in relying on hCG as an early marker of pregnancy.<ref name="jones obit">{{cite journal | vauthors = Damewood MD, Rock JA | title = In memoriam: Georgeanna Seegar Jones, M.D.: her legacy lives on | journal = Fertility and Sterility | volume = 84 | issue = 2 | pages = 541–2 | date = August 2005 | pmid = 16363033 | doi = 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.04.019 | url = http://www.jonesinstitutefoundation.org/downloads/GeorgeannaJones.pdf | publisher = American Society for Reproductive Medicine | access-date = 31 December 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081209064615/http://www.jonesinstitutefoundation.org/downloads/GeorgeannaJones.pdf | archive-date = 9 December 2008 }}</ref> In the Aschheim and Zondek test, an infantile female [[mouse]] was injected subcutaneously with urine of the woman to be tested, and the mouse later was killed and dissected. Presence of [[ovulation]] indicated that the urine contained hCG and meant that the subject was pregnant. A similar test was developed [[Rabbit test|using immature rabbits]]. Here, too, killing the animal to check her ovaries was necessary. |
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At the beginning of the 1930s, [[Hillel Abbe Shapiro|Hillel Shapiro]] and Harry Zwarenstein, who were researchers at the [[University of Cape Town]], discovered that if urine from a pregnant woman was injected into the South African [[Xenopus]] frog and the frog ovulated, this indicated that the subject was pregnant. This test, known as the [[frog test]], was used throughout the world from the 1930s to 1960s, with Xenopus frogs being exported in great numbers.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Christophers|first=S. R.|date=16 November 1946|title=The Government Lymph Establishment|journal=Br Med J|language=en|volume=2|issue=4480| |
At the beginning of the 1930s, [[Hillel Abbe Shapiro|Hillel Shapiro]] and Harry Zwarenstein, who were researchers at the [[University of Cape Town]], discovered that if urine from a pregnant woman was injected into the South African [[Xenopus]] frog and the frog ovulated, this indicated that the subject was pregnant. This test, known as the [[frog test]], was used throughout the world from the 1930s to 1960s, with Xenopus frogs being exported in great numbers.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Christophers|first=S. R.|date=16 November 1946|title=The Government Lymph Establishment|journal=Br Med J|language=en|volume=2|issue=4480|page=752|doi=10.1136/bmj.2.4480.752|issn=0007-1447|pmc=2054716}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Shapiro|first1=H. A.|last2=Zwarenstein|first2=H.|date=19 May 1934|title=A Rapid Test for Pregnancy on Xenopus lævis|journal=Nature|language=En|volume=133|issue=3368|page=762|doi=10.1038/133762a0|bibcode=1934Natur.133..762S|s2cid=4123060|issn=0028-0836|doi-access=free}}</ref> Shapiro's advisor, [[Lancelot Hogben]], claimed to have developed the pregnancy test himself, but refuted by both Shapiro and Zwarenstein in a letter to the ''British Medical Journal''. A later article, independently authored, granted Hogben credit for the principle of using Xenopus to determine gonadotropin levels in a pregnant woman's urine, but not for its usage as a functional pregnancy test.<ref>Gurdon, J B; Hopwood, N (1 February 2003). "The introduction of Xenopus laevis into developmental biology: of empire, pregnancy testing and ribosomal genes". ''International Journal of Developmental Biology''. '''44''' (1). [[International Standard Serial Number|ISSN]] 0214-6282</ref> |
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Hormonal pregnancy tests such as [[Primodos]] and [[Duogynon]] were used in the 1960s and 1970s in the UK and Germany. These tests involved taking a dosed amount of hormones, and observing the response a few days later. A pregnant woman does not react, as she is producing the hormones in pregnancy; a subject who is not pregnant responds to the absence of the hormone by beginning a new menstrual cycle. While the test was (is) generally considered accurate, research advancements have replaced it with simpler techniques.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.muvs.org/contraception/pregnancy-tests/duogynon-id1614|title= |
Hormonal pregnancy tests such as [[Primodos]] and [[Duogynon]] were used in the 1960s and 1970s in the UK and Germany. These tests involved taking a dosed amount of hormones, and observing the response a few days later. A pregnant woman does not react, as she is producing the hormones in pregnancy; a subject who is not pregnant responds to the absence of the hormone by beginning a new menstrual cycle. While the test was (is) generally considered accurate, research advancements have replaced it with simpler techniques.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.muvs.org/contraception/pregnancy-tests/duogynon-id1614|title=Museum für Verhütung und Schwangerschaftsabbruch - Museum of Contraception and Abortion|first=Christian|last=Fiala|date=29 March 2018|website=en.muvs.org|access-date=29 March 2018|archive-date=30 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330075947/http://en.muvs.org/contraception/pregnancy-tests/duogynon-id1614|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Immunologic pregnancy tests were introduced in 1960 when Wide and [[Carl Axel Gemzell|Gemzell]] presented a test based on in-vitro hemagglutination inhibition. This was a first step away from in-vivo pregnancy testing<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yzrOivXR75QC&q=carl+gemzell&pg=PT33 |vauthors=Bleavins MR, Carini C, Malle JR, Rahbari R | title=Biomarkers in Drug Development: A Handbook of Practice, Application, and Strategy, Chapter 1, Blood and Urine Chemistry | publisher=John Wiley and Sons| year=2010 | isbn=978-0-470-16927-8}}</ref><ref name="Wide2005"/> and initiated a series of improvements in pregnancy testing leading to the contemporary at-home testing.<ref name="Wide2005">{{cite journal | author = Wide L | title = Inventions leading to the development of the diagnostic test kit industry — from the modern pregnancy test to the sandwich assays | journal = Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences | volume = 110 | issue = 3 | pages = 193–216 | year = 2005 | pmid = 16454158 | doi=10.3109/2000-1967-066| doi-access = free }}</ref> Direct measurement of [[antigen]]s, such as [[Human chorionic gonadotropin|hCG]], was made possible after the invention of the [[radioimmunoassay]] in 1959.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Yalow RS, Berson SA | title = Immunoassay of endogenous plasma insulin in man | journal = Journal of Clinical Investigation | volume = 39 | issue = 7 | pages = 1157–75 | date = July 1960 | pmid = 13846364 | pmc = 441860 | doi = 10.1172/JCI104130 }}</ref> Radioimmunoassays require sophisticated apparatus and special radiation precautions and are expensive. |
Immunologic pregnancy tests were introduced in 1960 when Wide and [[Carl Axel Gemzell|Gemzell]] presented a test based on in-vitro hemagglutination inhibition. This was a first step away from in-vivo pregnancy testing<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yzrOivXR75QC&q=carl+gemzell&pg=PT33 |vauthors=Bleavins MR, Carini C, Malle JR, Rahbari R | title=Biomarkers in Drug Development: A Handbook of Practice, Application, and Strategy, Chapter 1, Blood and Urine Chemistry | publisher=John Wiley and Sons| year=2010 | isbn=978-0-470-16927-8}}</ref><ref name="Wide2005"/> and initiated a series of improvements in pregnancy testing leading to the contemporary at-home testing.<ref name="Wide2005">{{cite journal | author = Wide L | title = Inventions leading to the development of the diagnostic test kit industry — from the modern pregnancy test to the sandwich assays | journal = Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences | volume = 110 | issue = 3 | pages = 193–216 | year = 2005 | pmid = 16454158 | doi=10.3109/2000-1967-066| doi-access = free }}</ref> Direct measurement of [[antigen]]s, such as [[Human chorionic gonadotropin|hCG]], was made possible after the invention of the [[radioimmunoassay]] in 1959.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Yalow RS, Berson SA | title = Immunoassay of endogenous plasma insulin in man | journal = Journal of Clinical Investigation | volume = 39 | issue = 7 | pages = 1157–75 | date = July 1960 | pmid = 13846364 | pmc = 441860 | doi = 10.1172/JCI104130 }}</ref> Radioimmunoassays require sophisticated apparatus and special radiation precautions and are expensive. |
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[[Organon International]] obtained the first patent on a home pregnancy test in 1969, two years after product designer [[Margaret Crane]] noticed that the laboratory testing procedure was relatively simple and made a prototype. The product became available in Canada in 1971, and the United States in 1977, after delays caused by concerns over sexual morality and the ability of potentially pregnant women to perform the test and cope with the results without a doctor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/31/opinion/sunday/could-women-be-trusted-with-their-own-pregnancy-tests.html|title=Could Women Be Trusted With Their Own Pregnancy Tests?|last=Kennedy|first=Pagan|date=29 July 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=12 December 2016}}</ref> |
[[Organon International]] obtained the first patent on a home pregnancy test in 1969, two years after product designer [[Margaret Crane]] noticed that the laboratory testing procedure was relatively simple and made a prototype. The product became available in Canada in 1971, and the United States in 1977, after delays caused by concerns over sexual morality and the ability of potentially pregnant women to perform the test and cope with the results without a doctor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/31/opinion/sunday/could-women-be-trusted-with-their-own-pregnancy-tests.html|title=Could Women Be Trusted With Their Own Pregnancy Tests?|last=Kennedy|first=Pagan|date=29 July 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=12 December 2016}}</ref> |
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Another home pregnancy testing kit was based on the work of [[Judith Vaitukaitis]] and Glenn Braunstein, who developed a sensitive hCG assay at the [[National Institutes of Health]].<ref name=Vaitukaitis>{{cite journal|last1=Vaitukaitis|first1=JL|title=Development of the home pregnancy test|journal=Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences|date=December 2004|volume=1038|pages=220–2|pmid=15838116|doi=10.1196/annals.1315.030|bibcode=2004NYASA1038..220V|s2cid=29315420|url=https://zenodo.org/record/1235870}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=History of the Pregnancy Test Kit - Home Page|url=https://history.nih.gov/exhibits/thinblueline/index.html|website=history.nih.gov|access-date=4 May 2020}}</ref> That test went onto the market in 1978.<ref name=Thin-Blue-Line>{{cite web|last1=A Thin Blue Line: The History of the Pregnancy Test Kit|title=A Timeline of Pregnancy Testing|url=http://history.nih.gov/exhibits/thinblueline/timeline.html|publisher=National Institutes of Health|access-date=15 March 2015}}</ref> |
Another home pregnancy testing kit was based on the work of [[Judith Vaitukaitis]] and Glenn Braunstein, who developed a sensitive hCG assay at the [[National Institutes of Health]].<ref name=Vaitukaitis>{{cite journal|last1=Vaitukaitis|first1=JL|title=Development of the home pregnancy test|journal=Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences|date=December 2004|volume=1038|issue=1 |pages=220–2|pmid=15838116|doi=10.1196/annals.1315.030|bibcode=2004NYASA1038..220V|s2cid=29315420|url=https://zenodo.org/record/1235870}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=History of the Pregnancy Test Kit - Home Page|url=https://history.nih.gov/exhibits/thinblueline/index.html|website=history.nih.gov|access-date=4 May 2020}}</ref> That test went onto the market in 1978.<ref name=Thin-Blue-Line>{{cite web|last1=A Thin Blue Line: The History of the Pregnancy Test Kit|title=A Timeline of Pregnancy Testing|url=http://history.nih.gov/exhibits/thinblueline/timeline.html|publisher=National Institutes of Health|access-date=15 March 2015}}</ref> |
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In the 1970s, the discovery of [[monoclonal antibodies]] led to the development of the relatively simple and cheap [[immunoassay]]s, such as agglutination-inhibition-based assays and [[ELISA#Sandwich ELISA|sandwich ELISA]], used in modern home pregnancy tests. Tests are now so cheap that they can be mass-produced in a general publication and used for advertising.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nudd|first1=Ti|title=Ikea Wants You to Pee on This Ad. If You're Pregnant, It Will Give You a Discount on a Crib|url=http://www.adweek.com/creativity/ikea-wants-you-to-pee-on-this-ad-if-youre-pregnant-it-will-give-you-a-discount-on-a-crib/|access-date=13 January 2018|work=[[Adweek]]|date=9 January 2018}}</ref> |
In the 1970s, the discovery of [[monoclonal antibodies]] led to the development of the relatively simple and cheap [[immunoassay]]s, such as agglutination-inhibition-based assays and [[ELISA#Sandwich ELISA|sandwich ELISA]], used in modern home pregnancy tests. Tests are now so cheap that they can be mass-produced in a general publication and used for advertising.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nudd|first1=Ti|title=Ikea Wants You to Pee on This Ad. If You're Pregnant, It Will Give You a Discount on a Crib|url=http://www.adweek.com/creativity/ikea-wants-you-to-pee-on-this-ad-if-youre-pregnant-it-will-give-you-a-discount-on-a-crib/|access-date=13 January 2018|work=[[Adweek]]|date=9 January 2018}}</ref> |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Pregnancy Test}} |
Revision as of 03:19, 31 March 2024
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Pregnancy_Test_Positive.jpg/220px-Pregnancy_Test_Positive.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/Pregnancy_test_series_starting_to_show_positive.jpg/220px-Pregnancy_test_series_starting_to_show_positive.jpg)
A pregnancy test is used to determine whether a female is pregnant or not. The two primary methods are testing for the female pregnancy hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)) in blood or urine using a pregnancy test kit, and scanning with ultrasonography.[1] Testing blood for hCG results in the earliest detection of pregnancy.[2] Almost all pregnant women will have a positive urine pregnancy test one week after the first day of a missed menstrual period.[3]
Types
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/How_hCG_Is_Used_To_Indicate_a_Positive_Pregnancy_Test.svg/220px-How_hCG_Is_Used_To_Indicate_a_Positive_Pregnancy_Test.svg.png)
Identified in the early 20th century, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone that rises quickly in the first few weeks of pregnancy, typically reaching a peak at 8- to 10-weeks gestational age.[4][5] hCG is produced by what will become the placenta.[6] hCG testing can be performed with a blood (serum) sample (typically done in a medical facility) or with urine (which can be performed in a medical facility or at home). The assays used to detect the presence of hCG in blood or urine are generally reliable and inexpensive. Secretion of hCG can occur as soon as 6 days following ovulation and on average 8–10 days following ovulation; this is the earliest hCG can be detected in a blood sample.[7][5][8] The hCG concentration in blood is higher than in urine. Therefore, a blood test can be positive while the urine test is still negative.[9][10]
Qualitative tests (yes/no or positive/negative results) look for the presence of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in blood or urine. For a qualitative test the thresholds for a positive test are generally determined by an hCG cut-off where at least 95% of pregnant women would get a positive result on the day of their first missed period.[11] Qualitative urine pregnancy tests vary in sensitivity. High-sensitivity tests are more common and typically detect hCG levels between 20 and 50 milli-international units/mL (mIU/mL). Low-sensitivity tests detect hCG levels between 1500 and 2000 mIU/mL and have unique clinical applications, including confirmation of medication abortion success.[12] Qualitative urine tests available for home use are typically designed as lateral flow tests.
Quantitative tests measure the exact amount of hCG in the sample. Blood tests can detect hCG levels as low as 1 mIU/mL, and typically clinicians will diagnose a positive pregnancy test at 5mIU/mL.[11]
Urine pregnancy test | Blood pregnancy test | |
---|---|---|
Detection thresholds | High-sensitivity:
Qualitative test: 20 to 50 mIU/mL, depending on test Low-sensitivity: Qualitative test: 1500-2000 mIU/mL, depending on test |
Qualitative test:
5 to 10 mIU/mL, depending on test Quantitative test: 1 to 2 mIU/mL for an ultrasensitive test |
There is a multilevel urine pregnancy test (MLPT) that measures hCG levels semiquantitatively. The hCG levels are measured at <25, 25 to 99, 100 to 499, 500 to 1999, 2000 to 9999, and >10,000 mIU/mL. This test has utility for determining the success of medication abortion.[13][14]
Ultrasound
Obstetric ultrasonography may also be used to detect and diagnose pregnancy. It is very common to have a positive at-home urine pregnancy test before an ultrasound. Both abdominal and vaginal ultrasound may be used, but vaginal ultrasound allows for earlier visualization of the pregnancy. With obstetric ultrasonography the gestational sac (intrauterine fluid collection) can be visualized at 4.5 to 5 weeks gestation, the yolk sac at 5 to 6 weeks gestation, and fetal pole at 5.5 to 6 weeks gestation. Ultrasound is used to diagnose multiple gestation.[3][15]
Accuracy
A systematic review published in 1998 showed that home pregnancy test kits, when used by experienced technicians, are almost as accurate as professional laboratory testing (97.4%). When used by consumers, however, the accuracy fell to 75%: the review authors noted that many users misunderstood or failed to follow the instructions included in the kits.[16]
False positive
False positive pregnancy test results are rare and may occur for several reasons, including:
- user error in performing and interpreting the test,
- biochemical pregnancy (loss of pregnancy before signs of pregnancy are apparent on ultrasound, likely very soon after implantation),
- and non-pregnant production of the hCG molecule (i.e. secretion due to a tumor or the pituitary gland, some diseases of the liver, cancers, including choriocarcinoma and other germ cell tumors, IgA deficiencies, heterophile antibodies, enterocystoplasties, gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD), and gestational trophoblastic neoplasms).[17][3]
- bacterial contamination and blood in urine[18]
Spurious evaporation lines may appear on many home pregnancy tests if read after the suggested 3–5 minute window or reaction time, independent of an actual pregnancy. False positives may also appear on tests used past their expiration date.[19]
False positive pregnancy test can happen due to 'phantom hCG' which is due to people having human antianimal or heterophilic antibodies.[20]
False positives can also be caused by (in order of incidence) quiescent pregnancy, pituitary sulfated hCG, heterophilic antibody, familial hCG syndrome and cancer.[21]
Due to use of medication
Urine tests can be falsely positive in those that are taking the medications: chlorpromazine, promethazine, phenothiazines, methadone,[18] aspirin, carbamazepine and drugs that cause high urinary pH.[22]
False negative
False negative readings can occur when testing is done too early. hCG levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy and the chances of false negative test results diminish with time (increasing gestational age).[23] Less sensitive urine tests and qualitative blood tests may not detect pregnancy until three or four days after implantation.[24] Menstruation occurs on average 14 days after ovulation, so the likelihood of a false negative is low once a menstrual period is late. Ovulation may not occur at a predictable time in the menstrual cycle. A number of factors may cause an unexpectedly early or late ovulation, even for people with a history of regular menstrual cycles.[25] Medical providers often struggle to 'rule out' pregnancy for medical testing or treatment that cannot be conducted during pregnancy before they can do an accurate urine pregnancy test.[26]
More rare, false negative results can also occur due to a "hook effect", where a sample with a very high level of hCG is tested without dilution, causing an invalid result.[27]
Other uses
Pregnancy tests may be used to predict if a pregnancy is likely to continue or is abnormal. Miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion or pregnancy loss, is common in early pregnancy.[28] Serial quantitative blood tests may be done, usually 48 hours apart, and interpreted based on the knowledge that hCG in a viable normal pregnancy rises rapidly in early pregnancy. For example, for a starting hCG level of 1,500 mIU/ml or less, the hCG of continuing, normal pregnancy will increase at least 49% in 48 hours. However, for pregnancies with a higher starting hCG, between 1,500 and 3,000 mIU/ml, the hCG should rise at least 40%; for a starting hCG greater than 3,000 mIU/ml, the hCG should increase at least 33%.[29] Failure to rise by these minimums may indicate that the pregnancy is not normal, either as a failed intrauterine pregnancy or a possible ectopic pregnancy.[29]
Ultrasound is also a common tool for determining viability and location of a pregnancy. Serial ultrasound may be used to identify non-viable pregnancies, as pregnancies that do not grow in size or develop expected structural findings on repeated ultrasounds over a 1-2 week interval may be identified as abnormal.[30] Occasionally, a single ultrasound may be used to identify a pregnancy as non-viable; for example, an embryo that is greater than a certain size but that lacks a visible heart beat may be confidently determined to be not viable without the need for follow up ultrasound for confirmation.[30]
Research
Research has identified at least one other possible marker that may appear earlier and exclusively during pregnancy. For example, early pregnancy factor (EPF) can be detected in blood within 48 hours of fertilization, rather than after implantation.[31] However, its reliable use as a pregnancy test remains unclear as studies have shown its presence in physiological situations besides pregnancy, and its application to humans remains limited.[32]
History
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/JanSteen-Doctor%27sVisit%281658-1662%29.jpg/220px-JanSteen-Doctor%27sVisit%281658-1662%29.jpg)
Records of attempts at pregnancy testing have been found as far back as the ancient Greek and ancient Egyptian cultures. The ancient Egyptians watered bags of wheat and barley with the urine of a possibly pregnant woman. Germination indicated pregnancy. The type of grain that sprouted was taken as an indicator of the fetus's sex.[34] Hippocrates suggested that a woman who had missed her period should drink a solution of honey in water at bedtime: resulting abdominal distention and cramps would indicate the presence of a pregnancy. Avicenna and many physicians after him in the Middle Ages performed uroscopy, a nonscientific method to evaluate urine.
Selmar Aschheim and Bernhard Zondek introduced testing based on the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in 1928.[35] Early studies of hCG had concluded that it was produced by the pituitary gland. In the 1930s, Doctor Georgeanna Jones discovered that hCG was produced not by the pituitary gland, but by the placenta. This discovery was important in relying on hCG as an early marker of pregnancy.[36] In the Aschheim and Zondek test, an infantile female mouse was injected subcutaneously with urine of the woman to be tested, and the mouse later was killed and dissected. Presence of ovulation indicated that the urine contained hCG and meant that the subject was pregnant. A similar test was developed using immature rabbits. Here, too, killing the animal to check her ovaries was necessary.
At the beginning of the 1930s, Hillel Shapiro and Harry Zwarenstein, who were researchers at the University of Cape Town, discovered that if urine from a pregnant woman was injected into the South African Xenopus frog and the frog ovulated, this indicated that the subject was pregnant. This test, known as the frog test, was used throughout the world from the 1930s to 1960s, with Xenopus frogs being exported in great numbers.[37][38] Shapiro's advisor, Lancelot Hogben, claimed to have developed the pregnancy test himself, but refuted by both Shapiro and Zwarenstein in a letter to the British Medical Journal. A later article, independently authored, granted Hogben credit for the principle of using Xenopus to determine gonadotropin levels in a pregnant woman's urine, but not for its usage as a functional pregnancy test.[39]
Hormonal pregnancy tests such as Primodos and Duogynon were used in the 1960s and 1970s in the UK and Germany. These tests involved taking a dosed amount of hormones, and observing the response a few days later. A pregnant woman does not react, as she is producing the hormones in pregnancy; a subject who is not pregnant responds to the absence of the hormone by beginning a new menstrual cycle. While the test was (is) generally considered accurate, research advancements have replaced it with simpler techniques.[40]
Immunologic pregnancy tests were introduced in 1960 when Wide and Gemzell presented a test based on in-vitro hemagglutination inhibition. This was a first step away from in-vivo pregnancy testing[41][42] and initiated a series of improvements in pregnancy testing leading to the contemporary at-home testing.[42] Direct measurement of antigens, such as hCG, was made possible after the invention of the radioimmunoassay in 1959.[43] Radioimmunoassays require sophisticated apparatus and special radiation precautions and are expensive.
Organon International obtained the first patent on a home pregnancy test in 1969, two years after product designer Margaret Crane noticed that the laboratory testing procedure was relatively simple and made a prototype. The product became available in Canada in 1971, and the United States in 1977, after delays caused by concerns over sexual morality and the ability of potentially pregnant women to perform the test and cope with the results without a doctor.[44]
Another home pregnancy testing kit was based on the work of Judith Vaitukaitis and Glenn Braunstein, who developed a sensitive hCG assay at the National Institutes of Health.[45][46] That test went onto the market in 1978.[47] In the 1970s, the discovery of monoclonal antibodies led to the development of the relatively simple and cheap immunoassays, such as agglutination-inhibition-based assays and sandwich ELISA, used in modern home pregnancy tests. Tests are now so cheap that they can be mass-produced in a general publication and used for advertising.[48]
See also
References
- ^ Chard T (1992). "REVIEW: Pregnancy tests: a review". Human Reproduction. 7 (5): 701–710. doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a137722. ISSN 1460-2350. PMID 1639991.
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