Pregnancy TestingBirth Choice Health Clinics uses urine pregnancy tests manufactured by Mainline Technologies. These tests are highly sensitive urine-based tests that can be confidentially used to indicate pregnancy. They are laboratory-quality, with a 99% accuracy rate. This page is designed to provide information about using and reading the tests.
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Pregnancy Testing Q & A
What should I expect from my visit?
Your visit will last approximately one hour. You will meet with our staff
and a medical professional will perform your pregnancy test.What if my pregnancy test is positive?
If your pregnancy test is positive, the nurse will take your vital signs and
a dispense prenatal vitamins. If your last period was at least six weeks
ago, an ultrasound may be performed during the same visit. We also offer
limited prenatal care to those who are elgibile.What is hCG?
Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is a hormone produced by the placenta.What does hCG have to do with pregnancy tests?
Urine-based pregnancy tests analyze the presence of hCG. The appearance and increased levels of hCG provide an excellent indicator of pregnancy. hCG is released into the mother's circulation almost immediately after implantation (5 - 8 days after conception). hCG is produced in minute amounts and then, rising exponentially, the concentration doubles approximately every 2.2 days.Do all pregnancy tests have the same sensitivity to hCG?
No. There are many types of tests on the market for both professional and home use. They have different sensitivity levels for detecting hCG. Some over-the-counter home tests only detect 150-250mIU's of hCG. This means they may not pick up the pregnancy until well after the first missed period. Mainline Technologies pregnancy tests are one of the most sensitive urine-based tests available, detecting concentrations as low as 20 mLU/ml.Are the levels of hCG in all pregnant women the same in any given week of pregnancy?
No. The production of hCG can vary greatly from women to women in any given week of pregnancy with as much as a 20-fold variation in individual levels. Some women with high hCG may come up positive on the test very early, while others with low hCG may not show up until after the first missed period. In a recent study, reported in the Journal of American Medical Association, 10% of 250 women tested had not even implanted by the first missed period. Therefore, their hCG was so low that no urine test could detect it.How early can a pregnancy test give positive results?
Because our test is so sensitive, it may pick up a positive result as early as 7 - 10 days post conception (21 to 24 days after the first day of the last period) depending on when implantation occurs and the client's personal hCG levels. If hCG is detected at this early stage, the test line would be expected to be light as hCG levels are just beginning to build. However, when testing this early, the results should be verified after the first missed period. This is because, although the test picks up the presence of hCG, it does not guarantee a viable pregnancy. hCG may also be produced by an EPL or "early pregnancy loss". This is an embryo which fails to implant properly in the uterus, or is rejected by the uterus. It is followed by a normal or slightly heavier than normal menstrual period, which may be 2 to 3 days late. hCG levels may rise in the week following implantation (second week of conception) like a normal-term pregnancy. When EPL occurs, hCG concentration in the urine reaches a peak 2 weeks after conception then rapidly declines.What is the significance of Early Pregnancy Loss (EPL)?
Most women are unaware that they have had an EPL. EPL's are much more common than people realize. Some reports indicate that EPL's may occur in 31% of pregnancies overall. Women may get a positive result from a test taken before the first missed period. However, the fertilized egg may not implant correctly, or the uterus may reject the embryo. An EPL can delay menses up to three days which would further lead the client to believe she is pregnant, while in reality that is no longer the case.Can this explain why two tests, taken a few days apart, give conflicting results?
Yes it can. This happened to a woman at one center. A young woman took home a pregnancy test a few days before she missed her period and it was positive. She came to the center a week later and was sure she was pregnant. Her period still had not started; but the center's test come back negative. By the time she came to the center she had experienced an Early Pregnancy Loss. Her hCG had dropped to undetectable levels. The woman was urged to get a blood test, which verified the center's results. It is good to understand this issue as you may have a similar case occur.If you tested before your first missed period should you be retested if your period still has not started after 31 days?
Yes. If you test earlier than 31 days, you should know that even if it is negative, a test should be given at 31 days to verify the results if your menses has not started. This is because your hCG level may have been too low to register on the first test. Or, if it reads positive, you should be advised that there is still a chance of Early Pregnancy Loss. It is our recommendation, and that of the leading hCG researcher, Dr. Laurence Cole of the University of New Mexico, that any test that indicates possible pregnancy before 31 days after the start of the last menses should be repeated on or after the 31st day. This assures accurate detection of a viable pregnancy.Are there any other factors that may give conflicting test results at two different times?
Yes. Another factor is how diluted the urine is at the time of the test. The more concentrated the urine, the greater the concentration of the hCG. Remember, woman's levels of hCG can vary markedly. If a woman who has low levels of hCG takes a pregnancy test early in her pregnancy using her first morning urine, it may come out positive because of higher concentrations of hCG. If she then goes to a center later in the day after consuming liquids, her urine will be very diluted and there may not be a high enough level of hCG to detect. If there is a question about the test results, confirm results by retesting using a first morning sample.For early pregnancy tests, should you give us your first morning urine?
Yes. In fact, when results vary or are questionable, you should be retested with the first morning urine. If this is not possible, you need to limit liquid intake and go as long as possible without urinating before you come in. Remember, the more concentrated the urine is, the more concentrated the hCG will be. In such cases it may also be a good idea to wait 48 hours before retesting so that the hCG level can double to a more detectable level.Are there any other conditions that may produce false readings?
There are some medical conditions that will skew the test results. They are complicated and uncommon. If you test negative after 31 days and your period does not start, you should be encouraged to see your doctor. He will be able to order a blood test that will determine if hCG is present and if there are any medical concerns. If you test positive as the result of a medical condition, the doctor will be able to advise you on further medical care.How does the information that you provide play a role in the testing?
When conducing pregnancy testing it is important to remember that a center is relying on your self reporting about the last menses, the regularity or irregularity of your menstrual cycles, and your sexual activity.
