Pregnancy test: how does it work?
The pregnancy test is a quick and simple way to determine if a woman is pregnant. It works by detecting the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or blood. The hormone hCG is produced by the body only during pregnancy, after the fertilized egg implants in the womb.
How does the pregnancy test work?
Pregnancy tests available in pharmacies or at Elytis Hospital are generally urine tests. They contain a test strip that detects the presence of hCG in the urine. When the urine comes in contact with the test strip, it changes color or displays a symbol (usually a line or a plus) if it detects hCG.
The Elytis Hospital, you can also have a blood pregnancy test in our laboratory. This test is more sensitive than the urine test and can detect pregnancy earlier. The blood test can also measure the exact amount of hCG in your blood, which can be useful in monitoring pregnancy, especially in the early weeks.
When can a pregnancy test be taken?
Most urine pregnancy tests recommend testing after the first day your period is overdue. However, some more sensitive tests can detect pregnancy even a few days before the expected due date.
The Elytis Hospitalour specialists can recommend the optimal time to perform a pregnancy test, depending on your medical history and menstrual cycle.
What is a positive outcome?
A positive pregnancy test usually indicates the presence of a pregnancy. However, it is important to confirm the result with a visit to your gynecologist. He or she will perform an ultrasound scan to confirm the pregnancy and establish the gestational age.
The Elytis Hospital, you benefit from comprehensive obstetrics and gynecology services, including consultations, ultrasounds and laboratory tests to ensure that your pregnancy is progressing normally.
What does a negative result mean?
A negative pregnancy test result may mean that you are not pregnant or that the test was taken too early. If your period is late, it is recommended that you repeat the test after a few days or consult a gynecologist.
The Elytis Hospitalour medical specialists can offer you personalized advice and recommendations in case of a negative pregnancy test result.
Why choose Elytis Hospital for your pregnancy test?
- High-performance laboratory: the Elytis medical laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring the accuracy and speed of results.
- Wide range of tests: in addition to the pregnancy test, we offer a wide range of medical tests and investigations, including specially designed packages for a general health assessment.
- Dedicated medical team: at Elytis Hospital, you will be greeted by a professional and empathetic medical team, ready to provide support and answers to all your questions.
- Excellent communication: we want to be with you every step of the way, giving you clear and transparent information and constant communication.
Elytis Hospital - Together for a healthy pregnancy!
Latest revision:
28.02.2025, Laura Țăranu, coordinator laboratory
References:
- Deltombe, Matthieu, et. al. "False-positive pregnancy test: beware of familial hCG syndrome". Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM), vol. 59, no. 11.
- Hendriks, Erin, Erin (Dr.), Rosenberg, Rachel (Dr.), Prine, Linda (Dr.), "Ectopic Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Management." American Family Physician, 2020, vol. 101, no. 10, pg. 599 - 606.
- Priyadarsharshini, Shista (Dr.), et. al. "False Negative Urine Pregnancy Test: Hook Effect Revealed". Cureus, 2022, vol. 14, no. 3.
- Robinson, Joan H. "What the pregnancy test is testing." The British Journal of Sociology, 2020, vol. 71, no. 3, pg. 460 - 473.
- De Ziegler, Dominique (Dr.), et. al. "Role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone, and estrogen in luteal phase support after hCG triggering, and when in pregnancy hormonal support can be stopped". Fertility and Sterility, 2018, vol. 109, no. 5, pg. 749 - 755.