Pregnancy tests depend on detection of the antigen (hCG) present in the maternal urine or blood serum with certain antibody like polyclonal or monoclonal.
The Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin or hCG is a glycoprotein produced by the placenta. It can be detected in the maternal blood serum or urine as early as 8-9 days following fertilization. The levels of secretion tend to rise continuously as the
Pregnancy progresses. The concentration reaches its maximum levels in urine and blood, ranging from 100 IU to 200 IU/ml between 60-70 days of pregnancy. Thereafter, the levels remain constant throughout pregnancy. Finally, hCG disappears within 2 weeks following delivery.
hCG acts as a stimulus for the secretion of progesterone during pregnancy. It also stimulates adrenal and placental steroid formation, promotes thyroid related activities in the
pregnant woman and helps in the development of fetal sex organs.
The presence of the hCG in woman’s urine or blood can be a good reason to confirm her
Pregnancy, in an otherwise normal condition. A series of
immunological tests are usually done within 8-11 days after “anticipated” conception to find out whether hCG is present or not. The common tests are
- On Urine
- Agglutination inhibition tests using latex.
- Direct agglutination test (hCG Direct test)
- Two-site sandwich immuno assay (membrane ELISA/Card Test)
- On Serum
- Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
- Radio-immuno assay (RIA)
- Immuno-radiometric assay (IRMA)
However, the test results are not reliable after 12 weeks of “expected” pregnancy. Apart from these tests, the Transvaginal Ultrasonography can be done to detect uterine pregnancy and to determine fetal viability and gestational age as well. This
Pregnancy Test is also employed in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, to monitor pregnancy following in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Another method, the Doppler Ultrasound is proved effective in picking up the fetal heartbeat by the 10 th week.
If you are having delayed menstrual period or had missed out one; or if you experience irregular bleeding or spotting during the expected time of your period and a feeling of nausea and vomiting persist, you are most likely PREGNANT. We recommend you to go for a
Pregnancy Test.
The
hCG type pregnancy tests can be performed at home also. They are reliable testing methods and are capable of giving you the earliest possible results. Various test kits in card forms are available at all medical stores. Buy one kit and perform the test as directed and be sure of your pregnancy. Nowadays, digital
Pregnancy Test kits are also available. It’s now easier to find out whether you are really pregnant. No more confusion interpreting the dye marks. The result is actually displayed on the screen. Read out “PREGNANT” once the test result turns positive.
