Pregnancy Tests

• What is the role of monoclonal antibodies in pregnancy tests?

  They detect the hormone hCG in urine
• What hormone do pregnancy tests detect?

  hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
• How do pregnancy tests indicate a positive result?

  The test strip turns blue when hCG is present
• What happens to the blue beads in a pregnancy test when hCG is present?

  They bind to fixed antibodies and get stuck
• What are the two parts of a pregnancy test strip?

  • Right side: Fixed monoclonal antibodies specific to hCG
  • Left side: Free-moving blue beads covered in monoclonal antibodies
• What happens if a woman is not pregnant when using a pregnancy test?

  The test strip does not change color
• Why are the blue beads in a pregnancy test free to move?

  They are not fixed to the test strip
• What should you do before using a pregnancy test?

  Read the instructions carefully
• What is the significance of the second line in most pregnancy tests?

  • Acts as a control line
  • Indicates the test is working properly
  • Two lines usually indicate a positive result
• What is the appearance of a pregnancy test when hCG is detected?

  The entire strip appears blue
• How does the presence of hCG affect the movement of blue beads?

  hCG binds to beads, preventing their movement
• What is the first step in using a pregnancy test?

  Urinate on the test strip