Pregnancy Test, Urine
CPT Code(s):
81025
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Urine
Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL
Transport Container:
Yellow Top Tube or Sterile Cup
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Clean catch, mid - stream collection. First morning voided urine is recommended.
Rejection Criteria:
Specimen received outside stability requirements; Excessive blood, particulates, viscosity present
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
48 hours
Frozen:
Unacceptable
Clinical Significance
The Pregnancy Test, Urine is a clinically significant and widely used diagnostic tool for detecting pregnancy in patients. This test detects the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy, in the patient's urine sample.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of the Pregnancy Test, Urine include:
1. Early Pregnancy Detection: The Pregnancy Test, Urine is highly sensitive and can detect hCG in the urine as early as 7-10 days after conception. This makes it a valuable tool for patients who suspect they may be pregnant even before a missed period or the onset of typical pregnancy symptoms.
2. Convenient and Non-invasive: The Pregnancy Test, Urine is easy to administer and can be performed by patients at home or in a healthcare setting. It involves collecting a urine sample and applying it to the test kit. This convenience and non-invasiveness make it a popular choice for initial pregnancy screening.
3. Rapid Results: The Pregnancy Test, Urine provides rapid results, typically within minutes. This allows for quick determination of pregnancy status, providing immediate answers and reducing anxiety for patients.
4. Confirmation of Pregnancy: A positive result on the Pregnancy Test, Urine indicates the presence of hCG in the urine, confirming pregnancy. This information is crucial for patients and healthcare providers to initiate appropriate prenatal care, make lifestyle adjustments, and plan for the future.
5. Monitoring Pregnancy Progression: Serial measurements of hCG levels through multiple Pregnancy Test, Urine tests can provide insights into the progression of pregnancy. The hCG concentration should increase over time during early pregnancy. A significant decrease in hCG levels or a positive test followed by a negative test may indicate a potential miscarriage or pregnancy complication.
6. Evaluation of Ectopic Pregnancy: In cases where an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, the Pregnancy Test, Urine can help identify a possible pregnancy by detecting hCG in the urine. However, further diagnostic tests and medical evaluation are necessary to confirm the location of the pregnancy.
It is important to note that while the Pregnancy Test, Urine is highly accurate, false-negative or false-positive results may occur due to various factors such as improper test administration, medication interference, or very early or ectopic pregnancies. If there are concerns about the test result or if pregnancy is still suspected despite a negative result, healthcare providers may recommend additional testing or evaluation.
In summary, the Pregnancy Test, Urine is clinically significant for the early detection and confirmation of pregnancy. It offers convenience, rapid results, and allows for easy monitoring of pregnancy progression. It is a valuable tool for patients and healthcare providers in determining pregnancy status and initiating appropriate care.