UPT ( URINE PREGNANCY TEST)

It is a straightforward non-invasive technique which can be used by women to self-test pregnancy via using a home kit which detects any traces of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is a hormone released by the placenta soon after a fertilized egg is implanted into the uterus. 

The test can also help medical professionals confirm a patient’s claim of pregnancy, keep track of the pregnancy by monitoring the foetus's condition, and assist in any complications that may arise during the period. It is a systematic method to help to rule out a positive or negative result of a pregnancy test. 

The key feature of the pregnancy test strip is that, when urine containing the hormone (hCG) gets in touch with it, a chemical reaction occurs. The chemical which hCG is bonded to is attached to an antibody on the test strip. If hCG is present in the sample, the antibody will bind with it, and a colour that corresponds to a positive result will indicate pregnancy. 

This test checks a woman's hCG level in a sample of her urine. The hCG which refers to human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone that is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. The test unit is measured in mIU/mL (million international units per millilitre). The UPT can be conducted as early as the fourth week of pregnancy. 

The test is usually undertaken by a female when she thinks she may be pregnant, which is usually after a menstrual period has been missed or when some early symptoms of pregnancy are felt. A UPT can be conducted any time during the day, but the initial morning urine specimen is ideal since it contains the greatest hCG concentration. 

The phenomena of single test screening a woman for a pregnancy does come with its share of risks and disadvantages which is mentioned below. 

• Not all UPTs provide accurate results. In some cases, a UPT may have negative results due to low levels of hCG even when a woman is pregnant. 
• A medication, certain medical tools or even the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can cause misleading positive results to a woman who is not pregnant. 
• At times, women may feel some anxious moments while expecting the test results, particularly if the patient is trying to get pregnant or has had some pregnancy issues before. 

When assessing the results of a UPT, other medical professionals need to consider these parameters: 

• hCG concentration: Values greater than or equal to 25 mIU/mL are usually accepted as positive results. 
• Test sensitivity: The accuracy of the test's results may be impacted by its sensitivity to various levels of hCG. 
• Patient factors: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome with obesity or similar medical conditions may need different interpretations. 

Any woman of reproductive age who believes she is pregnant or is actively trying to get pregnant should have a UPT done. Women who have complicated past pregnancies or have certain medical conditions should seek the advice of a healthcare professional regarding UPT testing

Some of the primary advantages of the urine pregnancy test (UPT) includes the following: 

• Rapid identification of the possibility of pregnancy and is essential in seeking necessary prenatal care and avoiding complications during the pregnancy stage. 
• Decision making regarding reproductive health and family planning would be more precise. 
• Able to track the condition of the foetus and possible pregnancy problems. 

The urine pregnancy test (UPT) is commonly used to confirm a woman’s pregnancy, but along with that, it can also assist with some pregnancy related pathologies such as: 

• Ectopic pregnancy 
• Miscarriage 
• Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) 
• Molar pregnancy 

Before taking a UPT, women should: 

Prerequisites: No documentation needed; however, women should be on the lookout for their menstrual periods as well as other signs of pregnancy symptoms. 

Eligibility: There are no age restrictions and literally any women can undergo the UPT. 

Procedure on How to Take the Test: Follow the instructions on the existence of the manual on how to take the test, which usually involves dipping the test strip on a small amount of urine or dipping the strip on the urine stream. 

Caution Prior to The Test: Do not take a test when having kidney issues or urine infections, as these might influence the results.