Fertility & Pregnancy Tests
Fertility and pregnancy blood tests are diagnostic tools used to assess reproductive health, monitor hormone levels, and detect early signs of pregnancy. These tests typically involve analyzing a blood sample drawn from a vein to measure specific hormones and biomarkers associated with fertility and pregnancy. In the context of fertility, blood tests may evaluate levels of hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and progesterone to assess ovarian function, predict ovulation, and diagnose conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Pregnancy blood tests, on the other hand, detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after conception. The two primary types of pregnancy blood tests are quantitative hCG tests, which measure the exact amount of hCG in the blood, and qualitative hCG tests, which provide a simple "positive" or "negative" result. These blood tests are highly accurate and can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests, making them valuable tools for confirming pregnancy and monitoring its progression. Fertility and pregnancy blood tests play a crucial role in assisting couples trying to conceive, facilitating early prenatal care, and ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy.