WEEK 11 REPORT

EDEH OSINACHI WILSON

2020/BS/14794

TITLE: Serum Pregnancy Test

AIM: To test for the level of beta hCG in a serum sample.

INTRODUCTION:

A serum pregnancy test, also known as a beta hCG test, measures the level of human chorionic
gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in the blood. This hormone is produced during pregnancy and can
be detected earlier in the bloodstream than in urine.

The test is highly sensitive and can provide accurate results even in the early stages of
pregnancy, as early as 10 days after conception. It's often used in situations where early
detection is crucial, such as in fertility treatments or when assessing high-risk pregnancies.

PRINCIPLE:

Pregnancy tests use antibodies to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (beta hCG). It is an ideal
marker of pregnancy since it rises rapidly and consistently in early pregnancy and can be
detected in serum. High levels of hCG are a sign of pregnancy.

MATERIALS:

Syringe, wet swab, cotton wool, tourniquet, test tube, plain bottle, strip, centrifuge and gloves.

PROCEDURE:

The blood sample was collected from the patient, put in a plain bottle and allowed to stand for 2
hours. Then it was dislodged, spinned and the serum separated into a new plain bottle. After
which the pregnancy strip was brought out and dipped into the serum and allowed for some
seconds for the strip to absorb some serum then brought out and kept on top of the strip pack
till the serum moved to the end.
RESULT:

ID Test

A2311206 +ve

OBSERVATION:

It was seen that the two lines in the strip both showed very prominent which indicates high
levels of beta hCG and as well positive to pregnancy.

DISCUSSION:

The strips are coated with antibodies known as anti-hCG .These antibodies are hCG specific and
do not bind to other molecules. When the antibodies bind to hCG,it triggers a chemical reaction
that produces a colour change indicating a positive result.

Interpreting the results involves comparing the hCG levels to established reference ranges. A
rising level of hCG typically indicates a progressing pregnancy, while a declining level may
suggest a miscarriage or other complications. In some cases, multiple tests may be done over
time to monitor the trend of hCG levels.

It's important to note that false positives or negatives are rare with serum pregnancy tests,
making them a reliable method for confirming pregnancy.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, a serum pregnancy test, measuring human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in
the blood, is a highly sensitive and reliable method for detecting pregnancy, especially in its
early stages. The test offers accurate results, aiding in the assessment of fertility treatments
and monitoring high-risk pregnancies.

PRECAUTIONS:

-It was ensured that the sample stood for 2 hours before spinning.

-It was ensured that the strip absorbed enough serum before taking it out.