Pharmacists are often asked about the validity of pregnancy tests. More often than not, a ‘false’ pregnancy test result is a positive rather than a negative, but it doesn’t mean that a viable pregnancy is unfolding. Today, we explore this very sensitive subject.
What Does A Pregnancy Test Show?
The term ‘pregnancy test’ can be a little misleading. In reality, it should be called a Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) test. HCG is a hormone that every individual has. Even the male body contains a certain amount of hCG. During pregnancy, the presence of this hormone soars. However, this does not always mean that there is a baby on the way. Like other hormones, hCG levels can be altered by different medical conditions or lifestyle factors. However, a positive pregnancy test usually means that there is reproductive activity occurring, and this is what a pregnancy test shows.
What Is A Chemical Pregnancy?
Chemical pregnancies are also known as biochemical pregnancies. In this situation, a sperm and egg join to form a blastocyst. This is a small number of reproductive cells that may or may not implant in the uterine wall. If the blastocyst tries to implant, the body will start to produce more of the hCG hormone, and this will be visible on a home pregnancy test. However, in up to 33% of these situations, the implantation is not successful. There are a range of reasons for this, but it is usually due to a genetic system. When a chemical pregnancy happens, the uterine lining is expelled as normal during the next menstrual period. Most couples are unaware that a chemical pregnancy has occurred.
Can I Trust An Early Positive Pregnancy Test Result?
Home pregnancy tests from Suresign are very reliable. They can detect the hCG hormone in someone’s urine up to six days before a period is due. However, the outstanding accuracy of these home pregnancy kits mean that an early test will detect hormones long before a pregnancy is properly established, meaning that a chemical pregnancy can easily be detected. As such, sometimes it is better to wait a little before taking a test. Due to the sensitivity of the Suresign tests, it can also be helpful for people to take daily samples to keep an eye on the situation.
When Is The Best Time To Take A Pregnancy Test?
When taking an early pregnancy test, it is always best to do this in the morning. During this time, the HCG hormone is the most concentrated. However, as a pharmacist, it is always worth talking to your customers about the ideal timing for their unique circumstances. If someone is taking a pregnancy test for the first time, or if their journey towards parenthood has been a difficult one, it is best to have support. Just remember that hCG is a complicated hormone, and the body can and will produce it even if a pregnancy is not happening. Ideally, it is best for people to wait until they are sure that they or their partner’s period is late. A positive result at this stage will rule out a chemical pregnancy.
What Next?
For complete accuracy in early hCG detection, Suresign is the leading provider. To ensure that you have the most reliable, trustworthy solutions available in your pharmacy, please make a sales enquiry today by clicking here.
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