If you think that you have become pregnant - you should certainly consult a doctor. Now there are many different tests that have extremely high sensitivity and give very accurate results. In the case when such a test gives negative results, and you feel all the symptoms of pregnancy, you need to contact a doctor immediately, as this may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
However, it is worth clarifying that at the earliest possible dates, ultrasound may not always reveal an ectopic pregnancy. Can the test establish a pathological pregnancy? There are several opinions on this.
Any pregnancy test is aimed at detecting hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin ) in the urine - this hormone is an indication that pregnancy has occurred. This hormone is located in the placenta, which begins to form, and not in the uterus. So, if there is a pregnancy (including pathological), the test must show this. However, using a routine test, you can’t find out if your pregnancy is normal or pathological.
Doctors say that the number of hCG during ectopic pregnancy is much less than normal. Therefore, tests may well not reveal this pregnancy and not show it. So in the absence of menstruation on time, it would be better to visit a gynecologist. The same applies to the situation when the test has a positive reaction, but you have bloody spotting . Your doctor will prescribe a transvaginal ultrasound, which involves the insertion of a sensor into your vagina. And if there is a need - and for the necessary blood test.
However, there are tests that can not only determine the presence of the fetus, but also recognize an ectopic pregnancy or the possibility of spontaneous miscarriage at very early stages. For example, an INEXSCREEN brand test cassette is such. It is used both for early determination of pregnancy from the very first moment of the delay of the menstrual cycle, and to identify the likelihood of developing a pathological pregnancy. This test is based on an immunochromatographic assay. What does this mean?
All tests are based on detecting the amount of hCG hormone in female urine. The INEXSCREEN test reveals the ratio of two types of this hormone: intact and modified. With a normal pregnancy, there is approximately 10% of the modified hormone in the structure of hCG. The level of hCG during ectopic pregnancy is much lower than 10%, which is considered a diagnostic criterion for the appearance of pathology. This test can be called an innovation, it is quite complicated from the point of view of science, but in practice it is easily feasible by any woman at home. The only thing to consider is that physiological normal pregnancy can be detected from the very first day of the delay, and an ectopic pregnancy can be determined 1-2 weeks later.
As for reliability, the test for identifying the pathological course of pregnancy is reliable by 90%, and with the threat of spontaneous abortion - by 65%. Thus, this test is good at determining hCG rates during ectopic pregnancy. In order for the result of this test to be the most accurate, you need to adhere to some rules:
Urine for the test should be used immediately, because during storage, the conversion of hCG during an ectopic pregnancy from one form to the opposite begins, and the test result cannot be very reliable.
The unpacked test cassette must be used immediately.
Before starting the test, you need to study the instructions for the test well and when deciphering the test results, you need to use it.
In case of doubtful symptoms (spotting, pain in the lower abdomen), you should consult a doctor for help, regardless of the results of the test.