Pregnancy Test and Its Different Types

Pregnancy can be the most beautiful experience. Every woman once in her life aspire to experience it. However, ascertaining pregnancy status can be another battlefield altogether. Some of the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy can be:

• Missed periods
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Nausea vomiting
• Mood swings
• Swelling and soreness in breasts

However, sometimes these signs and symptoms are not enough. Women must go for pregnancy tests and proper clinical guidance to be sure of pregnancy.

How do pregnancy tests work?

Egg fertilizes in fallopian tubes. Once the egg fertilizes, it gets implanted in the uterus and attaches itself to the walls of the uterus. When the fertilized egg enters the uterus and gets attached to the walls of the uterus, the woman’s body starts producing HCG hormone. The full form of the HCG hormone is human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. This hormone is produced by the cells surrounding the embryo in the uterus. The function of this hormone is to maintain corpus luteum and thereby, stimulate the production of progesterone. 

The purpose of pregnancy tests is to check for the presence of HCG hormone in the female body when the female experiences the early signs of pregnancy. The presence of HCG hormone can be confirmed by doing a pregnancy blood test or the urine test.   

What are the three different types of pregnancy tests?

1. Home Pregnancy Test (HPT)

In the home pregnancy tests, there is a stick on which the urine is dropped to check the presence of HCG hormone. If the chemical in the stick changes colour after coming into contact with urine it means that the female’s body is producing HCG hormones and she is pregnant. Home pregnancy tests give accurate results when done after one week of missing periods. However, it is important to get the clinical tests done and show the report to the doctor to confirm pregnancy.

2. Blood test

Although HPTs are accurate most of the time but is advised that the female should get a pregnancy blood test from the lab near her home. There are of two types – qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative test only checks the presence of HCG hormone in the female’s body. Quantitative test, on the other hand, tells the exact level of HCG hormone.

If you wish to know pregnancy blood test cost, you can visit any nearby pathology lab and even a medical facility. You must know that results of pregnancy blood tests can take a day or two to arrive. However, they are more accurate than HPTs.

Causes and Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. In some people, it may turn out to be a chronic condition and cause liver cancer and cirrhosis. In most cases, people do not experience any signs and symptoms, and thus they spread the virus to others without realising that they have it. An HBsAg test is the only way to detect the hepatitis B virus in an individual.

 Symptoms of Hepatitis B

HBV infections often occur during the childhood of a person due to the reason that a mother can transmit the virus to her newborn baby during childbirth. However, it can be a complex procedure for doctors to diagnose HBV in infants as there are no or very few noticeable symptoms. Also, the symptoms of recent infection may not be apparent in children under 5 years. Those who have a chronic HBV condition can feel regular aching joints, abdominal pain, and persistent fatigue.

The Spread of Hepatitis B

The Hepatitis B virus is infectious when blood, semen, or other bodily fluid from a person with HBV infection comes in contact with the body of a healthy person. The virus can get transmitted in others in the following cases.

• Unsafe tattoo techniques
• During sexual activity
• Sharing personal items like razors and toothbrushes
• Sharing needles, syringes, and other drug injection devices

 Also, pregnant women having HBV can transmit the virus to their infants during childbirth.

Diagnosis

In case a person experiences any signs and symptoms related to HBV, the doctor may prescribe a test to check their liver condition. An HBsAg test can help them to detect the infection.

What is the prevention of Hepatitis B?

People can avoid the Hepatitis B virus in the following ways:

• By cleaning any blood drops with covered or gloved hands
• By following safe sex practices
• By not sharing any personal items
• By wearing the perfect cautionary gear while working in healthcare settings

Those who feel any signs and symptoms must consult a doctor right away. The doctor may perform a physical test and prescribe an HBsAg test. However, make sure you get HBsAg test from a reputed pathology lab in Gurgaon or any other city to get accurate results.

Everything You Need to Know About CBC Test

A CBC or complete blood count is a very common blood test that is used to evaluate the overall health of an individual. A part of several routine health check-ups, the CBC test is done in pathology labs to help doctors to diagnose diverse health conditions and diseases, ranging from anaemia to cancer. 

 The test evaluates numerous components and features of the blood, including:

Red blood cells

Red blood cells carry oxygen all over the body. The low RBC count shows that the person is suffering from anaemia or any other condition. 

White blood cells

These cells help the body fight infection. There are five key forms of white blood cells and the CBC test assesses the total number of white cells in the blood. Low counts of white blood cells may be the sign of infection while the raised level can indicate inflammation, a medical reaction, or any other health condition.

Haematocrit (HCT)

HCT test evaluates how much an individual’s blood is made of red blood cells. A lower level may indicate that the person does not have sufficient iron and minerals that aid the body to make red blood cells. 

Mean corpuscular volume

The mean corpuscular volume or MCV is the standard size of the red blood cells in an individual. In case they are larger than regular size, it means the MCV is higher. It occurs due to low folate and vitamin B12 levels. Also, the smaller MCV size indicates that the person has a certain type of anaemia.

Platelets

Platelets help the blood to clot and prevent bleeding.

Why is the CBC test prescribed by doctors?

A CBC test is a common part of many routine health check-ups. However, doctors may prescribe the test for diagnosing a certain health issue, checking the complete health, and monitoring the treatment of patients. Sometimes, depending on the patients’ condition, doctors may also order further tests such as a stool test. 

So, the complete blood count is only a method that doctors use to know about the health of a person. The medical record, signs, and other aspects will be also considered before diagnosis.