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Pregnancy test
Definition:
A pregnancy test measures a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to determine whether a woman is pregnant. The test can be performed on blood (serum) or urine. There are two types of pregnancy tests -- qualitative, which measures whether the HCG hormone is present; and, quantitative, which measures how much of the hormone is present. Text Continues Below
See also: How the test is performed:
The urine HCG test is usually performed by placing a drop of urine on a prepared chemical strip. It generally takes one or two minutes for the strip to indicate the result. The 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. 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:
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 a qualitative test will be performed at your doctor's to confirm the results of your home test. Doctors also perform a pregnancy test before performing a procedure or prescribing a medication that might adversely affect an existing pregnancy. The 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.
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