Prab: CSV import

2025-02-18T12:15:49Z

CSV import

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:15, 18 February 2025
Line 57:		Line 57:
	[[Category:Midwifery]]		[[Category:Midwifery]]
	[[Category:Human female endocrine system]]		[[Category:Human female endocrine system]]
			== Pregnancy_test ==
			<gallery>
			File:Pregnancy_Test_Positive.jpg\|Positive pregnancy test
			File:Pregnancy_test_series_starting_to_show_positive.jpg\|Pregnancy test series starting to show positive
			File:How_hCG_Is_Used_To_Indicate_a_Positive_Pregnancy_Test.svg\|How hCG is used to indicate a positive pregnancy test
			File:Pregnancy_ultrasound_110302111147_1123360.jpg\|Pregnancy ultrasound
			File:Negative_Pregnancy_Test.JPG\|Negative pregnancy test
			File:PositivePregnancyTest.JPG\|Positive pregnancy test
			File:CC-BY_icon.svg\|Pregnancy test
			File:JanSteen-Doctor'sVisit(1658-1662).jpg\|Doctor's visit
			</gallery>

Prab at 17:56, 3 September 2023

2023-09-03T17:56:43Z

New page

{{Infobox diagnostic
| Name = Pregnancy test
| Image = Test de grossesse ouvert.jpg
| Caption = A modern pregnancy test
| ICD10 =
| ICD9 =
| MeshID = D011258
| MedlinePlus = 003432
| OPS301 =
| OtherCodes =
}}

A '''pregnancy test''' is a diagnostic tool designed to determine if a woman is [[pregnant]]. The mechanism behind these tests revolves around the detection of certain indicators, most notably the hormone [[human chorionic gonadotropin]] (hCG). The presence of hCG is a hallmark of early pregnancy, as it is produced by the [[syncytiotrophoblast]] cells of the [[fertilized ova]] when they embed into the [[uterus]] lining, paving the way for [[placental]] development.

== '''Mechanism''' ==
Upon the [[fertilization]] of an ova, the resultant [[zygote]] undergoes [[implantation]] into the uterine lining. This event triggers the release of hCG, a hormone whose concentration escalates significantly in the initial weeks of pregnancy, peaking approximately by the 10th week.

== '''Types of Pregnancy Tests''' ==

=== '''Urine Tests''' ===
Urine-based pregnancy tests are commonly used due to their convenience and rapid results. Best results are obtained when the test is conducted around four weeks post the last [[menstrual period]] (LMP). Morning urine samples are often preferred as hCG concentrations tend to be higher. However, the accuracy can be influenced by fluid intake which might dilute the urine and hence the detectable hCG levels.

=== '''Blood Tests''' ===
[[Blood tests]], specifically [[serum hCG]] tests, offer a more detailed analysis and can determine pregnancy even before a menstrual cycle is missed.

=== '''Obstetric Ultrasonography''' ===
Apart from biochemical methods, [[obstetric ultrasonography]] offers a direct visualization of the [[embryo]] or [[fetus]]. Introduced in the 1960s, this imaging technique has become a cornerstone in [[prenatal care]].

=== '''Modern Pregnancy Tests''' ===
Modern-day tests are sensitive to the beta subunit of hCG, present either in blood or urine. [[Qualitative tests]] provide a binary outcome (pregnant/not pregnant), whereas [[quantitative tests]] measure exact hCG levels. Pregnancy is typically confirmed with hCG levels above 5mIU/mL in clinical settings. At-home tests, based on [[lateral-flow technology]], have varying sensitivity thresholds depending on the brand.

== '''Accuracy and Viability''' ==
The precision of pregnancy tests is governed by various factors:

* '''Timing of Test''': Testing around the anticipated date of the [[menstrual period]] maximizes accuracy.
* '''False Positives''': While rare, false positives do occur. They indicate hCG presence but might not confirm a viable pregnancy.
* '''Viability''': A positive test confirms pregnancy but doesn't guarantee its viability. Additional assessments, such as [[ultrasonography]], are needed to ascertain the health of the pregnancy.
== '''Historical Perspective''' ==
The journey of pregnancy testing began in the early 20th century, marked by the discovery of hCG. The latter half of the century saw advancements with the introduction of [[ultrasonography]] and the inception of home-based hCG testing kits in 1968. These innovations shifted the dynamics of prenatal care and empowered women to initiate the diagnostic process at home.

== '''See Also''' ==

* [[Early pregnancy factor]]
* [[Obstetric ultrasonography]]
* [[hCG pregnancy strip tests]]
* [[False pregnancy]]
[[Category:Gynaecology]]
[[Category:Pregnancy]]
[[Category:Medical tests]]
[[Category:Obstetrics]]
{{stub}}
{{Pregnancy}}
{{Urine tests}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pregnancy Test}}
[[Category:Obstetrics]]
[[Category:Tests for pregnancy| ]]
[[Category:Midwifery]]
[[Category:Human female endocrine system]]

Pregnancy test - Revision history

Prab: CSV import

Prab at 17:56, 3 September 2023