Physiological Basis of Pregnancy Tests

Sensitivity and Specificity of Pregnancy Tests

Pregnancy tests are designed to detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after implantation. This physiological marker is crucial in confirming pregnancy.

Understanding Sensitivity and Specificity

Sensitivity refers to the ability of the test to correctly identify pregnant individuals, while specificity indicates the ability to rule out non-pregnant cases.

• Highly sensitive tests reduce false negatives.
• Highly specific tests reduce false positives.

Types of Pregnancy Tests

Urine-Based Tests: Home pregnancy tests that provide quick results.

Blood-Based Tests: Quantitative hCG tests offering precise hormone levels.

Factors Affecting Test Accuracy

Several factors influence the reliability of pregnancy tests, including testing time, sample quality, and underlying medical conditions.

Conclusion

Understanding the physiological basis of pregnancy tests helps improve diagnostic accuracy and ensures informed medical decisions.