Understanding the Process of Pregnancy Testing in Primary Care

Pregnancy tests are among the most common in healthcare, especially primary care. Whether trying to conceive or needing to rule out pregnancy for other reasons, we can provide accurate and timely testing.

What to Expect During a Pregnancy Test Appointment

Female patients seek professional pregnancy testing for various reasons. It can be due to them missing their menstrual cycle, wanting to confirm their pregnancy, and needing to begin prenatal care. Others may have had a contraceptive failure or unprotected sexual encounters and would like to rule out pregnancy. Sometimes, there can be a hormonal imbalance following a miscarriage, and they receive results using at-home results. Whatever the reason, patients will complete simple steps.

Consultation and physical assessment

The initial step is to review the patient's sexual history. While some may feel uncomfortable, it is important to be honest during this conversation. It will serve as a base for which pregnancy tests will be provided and if any other testing is necessary. It can also help the doctor educate patients on the next steps regardless if the results are negative or positive.

Next, they will likely conduct a physical assessment. It helps identify any physical signs suggestive of pregnancy or other medical conditions that may affect testing. The doctor will assess the uterus and pelvic area for abnormalities.

Types of pregnancy tests

Based on the initial conversation and findings in the physical assessment, the doctor will provide a urine or blood pregnancy test. Urine tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone only produced due to pregnancy, and are often the first choice due to ease and convenience. They work similarly to at-home pregnancy tests, with the patient urinating into a sterilized container so that our team may dip a testing strip into it to obtain results. However, with our professional expertise, the chances of receiving a false positive due to incorrect use are extremely low. Results will be provided during the same appointment.

Blood tests are ordered for various reasons. It can be due to the initial urine test providing inconclusive results, the patient coming in within a few days after the sexual encounter or receiving positive test results too soon after a miscarriage. This is because the blood test can detect lower levels of HCG, making it more sensitive than urine testing. It is important to remember that the results will take some time to return with blood tests, as the samples are usually sent to a laboratory. Their team will analyze the samples to determine the presence and amount of HCG.

Next steps and follow-up

If the results are positive, the doctor will start the patient's prenatal care and educate them on what to expect as they advance in their pregnancy. This can include check-up appointments and vitamin intake. If a patient is having a rough time accepting the news, they can recommend an appropriate counselor to help guide them through their emotions and help them make smart decisions for themselves and the baby.

For negative results, the doctor will likely review the necessity of protection if the patient is not trying to conceive. If they were and did not, they will likely explain the possible reasons and lifestyle modifications to better their chances of contraception.

Schedule an appointment

If you need professional pregnancy testing, contact our office. We provide both urine and blood pregnancy tests, as well as important follow-up steps. Take the guesswork out of this important time in your life.

Request an appointment here: https://millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care at (703) 372-4429 for an appointment in our Fairfax office.

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