What's in a pregnancy test?

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Truong Thi Phuong - Doctor of Ultrasound - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.

Pregnancy test strips are one of the most popular convenient non-invasive pregnancy test methods. But not everyone clearly understands how a pregnancy test works, how accurate is it?

Pregnancy tests check for the presence of a hormone called Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine. hCG is only present when a woman is pregnant, because it is only produced when a fertilized egg attaches to the outside of the uterus or implants in the lining of the uterus.
There are different ways to collect a urine sample for the test as follows:
Put the urine in a small cup and dip the test strip in it. sample container Place the test strip in the appropriate position to collect urine midstream After the waiting time recommended by the manufacturer, the results will be displayed in the following ways:
Change color Line Marks, such as (+) ) or sign (-) Show the word “pregnant” or “not pregnant”

Pregnancy test strips are extremely accurate if used correctly. Pregnancy test strips show the most accurate results when used after a missed period, but the results will no longer be accurate if the test strip has expired, or is not used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, most tests are 99% accurate when done after a missed period, just open the container, follow the instructions and wait for the right time to see the results.

Women can take a pregnancy test with a stick at any time after a missed period for the best results. The sooner you know you're pregnant, the more time you'll have to consider your options and prepare to take the best care of yourself for your pregnancy.
Many manufacturers say that pregnancy tests can give results a few days before a missed period, but the results will not be as accurate. Always read the instructions for use carefully to do the test at the right time and get the best results.
Sometimes a pregnancy test can detect pregnancy hormones in the urine just 10 days after you have had unprotected sex, but these results are often unreliable and can be false positive or negative. falsity.
If your period is irregular and you miss your period for one reason or another, it is best to take a test about 3 weeks after sex for an accurate result.
You can now buy pregnancy test strips that are available at pharmacies, grocery stores and convenience stores at a very affordable price.

A false positive pregnancy test result is when you get a result that shows you're pregnant, but isn't. A false positive result, meaning the pregnancy test detects hCG hormone in your urine, even though you are not pregnant, this could be due to a problem with the test strip itself, or an increase in hCG hormone for other reasons, such as:
You take a pregnancy test too soon after taking fertility drugs containing hCG hormone Ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage When the pregnancy test result is positive, you should see a specialist to check for confirmation. Identify, rule out risk factors, and get nutritional advice for a healthy pregnancy.
Currently using a pregnancy test is one of the convenient, cost-effective ways to determine if you are pregnant or not.
However, in order to have accurate diagnosis results as well as know the gestational age if any, you can choose other pregnancy test methods such as: ultrasound, blood test... Show the above pregnancy test methods are available at the clinic, Vinmec International General Hospital.
In addition to developing examination and examination services, the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department - Vinmec International General Hospital also has a comprehensive maternity care program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy. with a full range of antenatal check-ups, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and routine tests to ensure that the mother is always healthy and the fetus develops comprehensively. Pregnant women will be consulted and checked for health under the close supervision of experienced and specialized obstetricians, helping mothers gain more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as minimize complications affecting mother and child.

Reference source: healthline.com - plannedparenthood.org