Pregnancy Testing
Dr. Wafa Mubarak
HCG
Pregnancy tests are based on the detection
of the human chorionic gonadotropin
(hCG).
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is
produced by the placenta shortly after
fertilization and reaches detectable levels in
urine and serum about 1 week after
implantation attachment of the early embryo
to the uterine lining.
Levels of hCG continue to rise during the
first trimester of pregnancy, making it an
excellent marker for pregnancy.
Specimens :
Pregnancy tests can be done by either in
urine or in blood samples.
Urine Tests :
• Urine specimen must be collected without
preservatives in a clean dry container.
• First morning urine usually contains the
highest concentration of hCG, however, urine
collected at any time
during the day may be used.
Blood Tests:
A quantitative blood test measures the
exact amount of Beta hCG in the
blood by ElectroChemiLuminescence
(ECL)-based immunoassays.
• And a qualitative hCG blood test
gives a simple positive or negative
result to whether pregnant or not (By
stripes & cassettes).
Pregnancy Test by Strips
Pregnancy Test by Strips
Itis a rapid chromatographic
immunoassay for the qualitative
detection of hCG in urine or serum
as an early detection of pregnancy.
PRINCIPLE OF THE TEST
The pregnancy testing device contains a
unique set of dye-conjugated and
immobilized antibodies
(used to produce a distinctive visual pattern
indicating elevated concentration of hCG.)
The specimen migrates via capillary action
along the membrane to react with the
colored conjugate.
If HCG is present the labeled antibody will
binds it, forming :
An antibody-antigen complex
So if the sample forms a colored test line,
this indicates a positive test result.
As the reaction mixture continues to flow
along the test strip, the complex binds to the
anti-hCG antibody in the test zone and
produces another red color band.
Procedure:
Direct pregnancy test
The Plasmatec direct pregnancy assay
is based upon the latex agglutination
reaction between latex particles
coated with anti-HCG antibodies and
HCG present in the test specimen.
The presence of HCG in a urine
specimen results in the formation of
an agglutination matrix which is
visually differentiated from the non-
agglutinating negative control
The Pregnancy latex test kit
comprises:
latex test reagent
positive/ negative controls
pipette
and an agglutination slide.
PRECAUTIONS
Do not use test kit components after the
expiration dates.
Dispose of all used test components in a
proper biohazard container.
If specimens or test components have been
stored in a refrigerator, allow them to warm
to room temperature before performing the
test.
Human specimens should be handled as if
capable of transmitting infectious agents.
