overview
the medline pregnancy test is a simple and accurate way to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg), the hormone that indicates pregnancy. this test can be performed using a urine or blood sample and generally results in results within 5 minutes.
how to use
urine test
- accuracy: the urine test is most accurate when performed a week or two after a missed period.
- ** Preparation**: avoid drinking large amounts of fluid before collecting the sample, as this can dilute the hcg and cause false negatives.
- results: if the test strip turns positive, you may need to wait a week for a quantitative hcg blood test to confirm the pregnancy.
blood test
- preparation: there is no specific preparation needed for this test.
- results: the blood test can detect very low levels of hcg, which can determine pregnancy as early as one week after a missed period.
risks and side effects
there are no known risks to having a urine test, whereas blood tests carry a slight risk of a minor discomfort at the needle site, which typically resolves within a few hours.
what the results mean
- negative: if the test is negative, it means that hcg was not detected in the sample, and you may not be pregnant. However, a negative result does not always indicate non-pregnancy, especially if the test was performed too early.
- positive: if the test is positive, it means that hcg was detected in the sample, and you are likely pregnant. The next step is to see a healthcare provider for further confirmation and care.
##the medline pregnancy test is a reliable and accessible option for detecting hcg and determining pregnancy. it is crucial to follow the instructions carefully and to seek confirmation from a healthcare professional if the test results are inconclusive or if there are any concerns about your pregnancy.
