Pregnancy and Fertility Testing Lecture Review

Flashcards covering pregnancy detection, hormone cycles, and fertility monitoring methods based on lecture materials.

Which hormone is the primary basis for pregnancy detection tests?

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Which specific cells produce Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)?

The trophoblast of the fertilized ovum

How quickly does the level of hCG typically rise after implantation?

It approximately doubles in quantity every $2\,\text{days}$

During which weeks of pregnancy do hCG levels typically reach their peak?

Between the $6\text{th}$ and $8\text{th}$ week

After fertilization, how soon can hCG be detected in the urine?

$$1-2\,\text{weeks}$$

What types of antibodies are used in home pregnancy tests to detect hCG?

Monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies

In a home pregnancy test, what does the enzyme react with to produce a distinctive color?

Chromogen

In the mechanism of a home pregnancy test, how is the hCG molecule positioned between antibodies?

It gets "sandwiched" between surface antibodies and an antibody linked to an enzyme

What is the primary advantage of blood tests over urine tests for hCG?

They are the most sensitive and can detect pregnancy earlier

What medical conditions can blood tests for hCG help distinguish from normal pregnancies?

Impending miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies

What is the advertised accuracy rate for home pregnancy tests?

$97\%$ or higher

What is the accuracy range for blood and urine tests performed by a laboratory?

$$97-100\%$$

What is a major reason for a false positive result if a woman has recently been pregnant?

Having had a miscarriage or given birth within the previous $8\,\text{weeks}$

Which medications can lead to a false positive result in a pregnancy test?

Menotropins for injection and chorionic gonadotropin for injection

What is a common cause of a false negative pregnancy test result related to timing?

Testing too soon, specifically on or before the $1\text{st}$ day of a missed period

What patient conditions can cause inaccuracy in pregnancy test results?

Ovarian cysts or ectopic pregnancy

What interference may occur if refrigerated urine is tested immediately?

The sample must be allowed to warm to room temperature before testing to avoid inaccuracy

Why should household containers for urine collection be avoided unless they are perfectly clean?

Soap residue in the containers can cause incorrect results

How long should a woman wait after her expected period date to avoid incorrect results?

At least $1\,\text{week}$

If a urine sample cannot be tested immediately, what are the storage requirements?

Store it in the refrigerator and allow it to warm to room temperature without shaking before testing

What is the recommended urine sample to use for home pregnancy tests?

First morning urine

If testing at a time other than the morning, what fluid intake restriction is advised?

Restrict fluid intake for $4-6\,\text{hours}$ before collection

What is the recommended waiting time to read the results of a home pregnancy test?

$$1-5\,\text{minutes}$$

According to the Clearblue Digital pregnancy test, what does a result of '1-2' indicate?

The woman is pregnant and maybe $1-2\,\text{weeks}$ since ovulation

How is infertility defined for women under the age of $35\,\text{years}$?

The medical inability to conceive after $1\,\text{year}$ of unsuccessful attempts

How is infertility defined for women over the age of $35\,\text{years}$?

The medical inability to conceive after $6\,\text{months}$ of unsuccessful attempts

Which hypothalamus hormone triggers the release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary?

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

On which days of the cycle does the LH surge typically occur?

Day $14$ or $15$ (mid-cycle)

How long after the LH surge does ovulation usually occur?

$$20-48\,\text{hours}$$

What is the viability duration of an ovum following ovulation?

$$12-24\,\text{hours}$$

How long can sperm remain viable inside the female reproductive tract?

Up to $5\,\text{days}$

To maximize the chance of fertilization, when should intercourse occur relative to the LH surge?

Within $24\,\text{hours}$ after the LH surge

What are the three common types of female fertility tests?

Basal thermometers, urine tests, and saliva tests

What is the typical state of resting Basal Body Temperature (BBT) during the first part of the cycle?

It is below normal (where normal is $37\,^{\circ}C$)

How much does the BBT typically rise after ovulation occurs?

By at least $0.2\,^{\circ}C$ ($0.4\,^{\circ}F - 1.0\,^{\circ}F$)

What are the specific conditions for taking an accurate BBT reading?

Take the reading at the same time each morning before rising and after at least $5\,\text{hours}$ of sleep

What behavioral restrictions should be followed for $30\,\text{minutes}$ prior to a BBT test?

Do not eat, drink, talk, or smoke

How does a urinary hormone test identify the LH surge?

By using monoclonal antibodies to detect an increase in the intensity of color compared to the previous day

Which medications can cause a false positive in a urinary LH test?

Menotropins and clomiphene

What medical conditions can lead to false positives on a urinary LH test?

Menopause and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

How long should a woman who recently stopped oral contraceptives wait before using a urinary LH test?

Wait for $2\,\text{natural cycles}$

In the first month of using an LH test, on what day should testing begin?

The $6\text{th}$ day after the start of menstruation

How long should a sample be allowed to warm at room temperature before testing for LH?

$$20-30\,\text{minutes}$$

According to the Clearblue Fertility Monitor, when is a 'Peak' reading given?

$2\,\text{days}$ before ovulation

What are the two types of salivary ovulation tests?

Fertility microscope and salivary electrolyte monitor

What specific pattern does dried saliva form during fertile times under a microscope?

A "fern" leaf pattern

When does the salivary ferning pattern typically appear?

$3-4\,\text{days}$ before ovulation

What saliva pattern is observed during non-fertile times?

Dotted or bubble-like patterns

What substances or activities can interfere with salivary ovulation tests?

Smoking, alcohol, anticholinergic medications, food, and brushing teeth

How long must a woman wait after smoking or eating before collecting a saliva sample?

$$2\,\text{hours}$$