If you suspect that you are pregnant, call 903-454-9711 to set up an appointment for a test today.
Urine-based pregnancy tests analyze the presence of hCG, a protein hormone produced by the placenta. 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.
Because of this, testing very early in pregnancy can give a negative result. Yet 2 days later, because the hCG level has doubled, testing can register positive.
There are many types of pregnancy 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 to 250 units of hCG. This means they may not pick up the pregnancy until well after the first missed period. The test used by our clinic is one of the most sensitive urine-based tests available and detects concentrations as low as 20 units.
The production of hCG can vary greatly from woman to woman in any given week of pregnancy. 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.
Because our test is so sensitive, it may pick up a positive result as early as 7 to 10 days post conception (21 to 24 days after the first day of the last period) depending on when implantation occurs and personal hCG levels.
However, when testing this early, the results should be verified after the first missed period. This is because it may 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 the week following implantation like a normal-term pregnancy. WHen EPL occurs, hCG concentration in the urine reaches a peak 2 weeks after conception then rapidly declines.
Most women are unaware that they have had an EPL. Some reports indicate that EPL's may occur in 31% of pregnancies overall.
If you test earlier than 31 days, even if it is negative, a test should be given at 31 days to verify the results if the menses still has not started.
Concentration of the urine effects the outcomes of test results, as well. 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 the higher concentration of hCG. After consuming liquids, the urine will be very diluted and there may not be enough hCG to detect. It is best to test with the first morning urine or to limit liquid intake and go as long as possible without urination before taking a pregnancy test.
