Definition

Noun: A medical procedure or device used to determine whether a person is pregnant, typically by detecting the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or blood.

Usage

A "pregnancy test" is used to confirm or rule out pregnancy. It is a specific type of diagnostic test. - She bought a home pregnancy test from the pharmacy. - The doctor ordered a blood pregnancy test for more accurate results. - A positive pregnancy test indicates the presence of hCG.

Advanced Usage

• "to take a pregnancy test": This is the standard phrase for using the test.
  • She decided to take a pregnancy test after missing her period.
• "to administer a pregnancy test": Often used in a clinical or medical context.
  • The nurse will administer the pregnancy test.

Variants and Related Words

• Home pregnancy test (HPT) (n): An over-the-counter test kit designed for private use at home.
  • Most home pregnancy tests are highly accurate when used correctly.
• Blood pregnancy test (n): A test performed in a medical laboratory by analyzing a blood sample.
  • A quantitative blood pregnancy test can measure the exact amount of hCG.

Synonyms

• Gestation test: A less common, more clinical synonym.
• hCG test: Refers directly to the hormone being detected.

Noun

1. a physiological test to determine whether a woman is pregnant