Leading medical laboratory Certolab Izcalli has expanded its pregnancy testing services to provide greater access to accurate and reliable pregnancy confirmation.
Certolab Medical Laboratory Izcalli, a leading medical laboratory in Cuautitlan Izcalli, Mexico, has announced the expansion of its specialty in pregnancy testing, alongside lab’s Haciendas de Cuautitlan and San Miguel locations. This expansion allows the lab to offer blood pregnancy tests combined with obstetric ultrasounds to thousands of women in the region who may be experiencing pregnancy symptoms.
“We know this can be an anxious time for women, which is why we want to make these services as accessible as possible,” said a spokeperson for Certolab. “No woman should have to wonder if she’s pregnant. Our team of professionals and certified testing procedures can provide them with definitive answers.”
When the menstrual cycle temporarily disappears or doesn’t start as expected, it’s often considered the primary and first symptom of pregnancy. However, amenorrhea or the absence of a menstrual period can also be a symptom of another health issue. Therefore, if pregnancy is suspected, it’s always necessary to conduct tests to confirm it. This ensures appropriate precautions are taken and the underlying cause is addressed correctly.
In the case of pregnancy, once an egg is fertilized in a Fallopian tube, it descends into the uterine cavity in about 4 days. Between the 7th and 14th day, it implants to continue growing and gradually transforms into an embryo. Meanwhile, the corpus luteum forms in the ovary, producing hormones that maintain the initial stage of gestation.
The hormonal changes resulting from fertilization, implantation, and embryo development prevent the onset of a new menstrual cycle. One of the first hormones to appear after the egg implants in the uterus is the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), specifically its beta fraction (beta-HCG). This hormone is responsible for all early pregnancy symptoms.
Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect HCG in urine. They work based on a chemical reaction that occurs on a reactive paper, which changes color in the presence (or absence) of the hormone.
Considering the time it takes for the fertilized egg to implant and start producing beta-HCG, theoretically, a pregnancy test could detect HCG at least 7 days after unprotected intercourse. However, since hormone levels gradually increase as the embryo develops, it’s usually at least 15 days after sex and typically when a period is missed that the test has a better chance of working effectively. A positive result indicates the hormone’s presence, confirming a likely pregnancy.
Several factors can affect the outcome of home pregnancy tests. While most of these tests guarantee 99% accuracy, this guarantee is based on hormone detection, which suggests possible pregnancy. However, the presence or absence of HCG in a test doesn’t always mean pregnancy or non-pregnancy, respectively. In cases where the embryo doesn’t remain implanted in the early days, HCG is produced, and the test detects it, but the pregnancy is false as the embryo is no longer in the uterus. Some health conditions, like ovarian cysts, kidney insufficiency, hormonal disorders, or certain medications, can increase HCG levels, leading to false positives. Conversely, a false negative can occur if the test is taken too early or if external factors affected the result. It’s recommended to take the test 10 days after the first missed period day.
Blood pregnancy tests conducted in medical labs, like Certolab, are more reliable and specific. They are qualitative tests that can detect the beta fraction of HCG (beta-HCG) and accurately estimate the gestation weeks. It’s a must to visit reputable labs like Certolab for trustworthy results and respectful treatment. Some health centers lack ethics and professionalism, offering unreliable services that could jeopardize one’s health for a fee.
Certolab’s expansion comes at an important time. “Too many women resort to home pregnancy tests that can be inaccurate or visit disreputable labs offering substandard services,” said the Certolab spokesperson. “We want to make sure every woman has access to the high-quality pregnancy testing she deserves.”
Finally, the only way to 100% confirm pregnancy after positive test results or even when symptoms are present is through an obstetric ultrasound, allowing real-time observation of an embryo or baby in the womb. These tests should be conducted by healthcare professionals using specialized equipment from quality and reputable labs like Certolab Medical Laboratory Izcalli. This ensures both the patient and their future baby receive proper care and accurate study results, beneficial for their attending physician in managing the pregnancy.
Certolab uses highly sensitive blood tests that detect the presence of the HCG produced during pregnancy to accurately estimate gestational age, along with obstetric ultrasounds. This combination provides the most reliable confirmation of pregnancy.
In addition to accuracy, Certolab emphasizes providing compassionate care in a comfortable environment. “We know this is a vulnerable time, especially in the early stages of pregnancy,” the spokesperson explained. “Our staff strives to make every patient feel cared for.”
Patients can order tests online through Certolab’s online shopping experience at certolab.com or walk in at the three locations. For more information, call 55-5872-4652.