Pregnancy Testing and Counseling

This section provides guidance on pregnancy testing and person-centered  counseling, including options counseling, and clinical guidance on individualized care that is responsive to each person’s needs and desires (see Section 3, "Approaches to Care").

Pregnancy testing relies on measurement of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in serum or urine. Urine testing is available as an over-the-counter or “at-home” test or as a point-of-care test and delivers a qualitative result of “positive” or “negative.” Unless otherwise specified, the following information refers to point-of-care urine testing.

A positive or negative pregnancy test result may have different significance for different people. Some people will be happy with the results; others may express mixed emotions; and some may be surprised, disappointed, or upset. The provider or clinic staff’s role in delivering pregnancy test results is to create an open, inclusive and nonjudgemental environment; validate and normalize multiple, complex and varied feelings around pregnancy; actively listen and clarify facts; reassure the patient of their support. It is important that staff who are giving the results of positive pregnancy tests are prepared to discuss all pregnancy options with the patient. Confidentiality must be ensured, but if a patient asks to include a partner or other support person in the discussion, this should be honored.