Pregnancy Test Kits Research Articles

Latest Improvement of Lateral Flow Assay in Detecting Nucleic Acid and Food Contaminant

Lateral flow assay is a paper chromatography used in portable test kits. It can show the testing results visually on the test line and control line. Lateral flow assay has been widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its low cost and portability. Lateral flow assay was also used in the pregnancy test kits which displayed relatively high sensitivity. Lateral flow assay has an imperatively simple mechanism which is very convenient. This portable and inexpensive testing method has significant potential in ultrasensitive biosensing. Recently, numerous innovations in this technology are invented. With the combination of other new technology, the lateral flow assay could be modified. It could be improved in sensitivity and selectivity. In this work, the mechanism, latest research results, and applications were be discussed. The modification of LFA technology by CRISPR, fluorescence, and some nanoparticles were also introduced. This work would promote the further progression of lateral flow assay (LFA) and the possible usage of it.

Plasma profile of Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins during Postpartum period in Konya Merino ewes lambing single and twin

This study investigated the plasma profile of Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) after lambing in Konya Merino ewes using specific cattle pregnancy test kit. A total of 16 Konya Merino ewes were used as a material. Four groups were set up, ewes birthing a male lamb (SM group, n=4), a female lamb (SF group, n=4), twin male lambs (TM group, n=4) or twin female lambs (TF group, n=4). Blood plasma samples were taken on days 0 (lambing day), 3, 7, 10, 14 and then weekly until day 35. All samples were analysed using a bovine pregnancy test kit to detect of PAGs level. It was determined that there was a strong negative correlation between PAGs levels in peripheral blood and days after lambing (r2=0.969; P<0.01). However, no relationship was found between PAGs level and lamb gender or birth type. In conclusion, plasma PAGs level decreases rapidly in Konya Merino ewes regardless of lamb gender and birth type. Moreover, the results showed that the plasma profile of PAGs after lambing in Konya Merino ewes can be monitored with a bovine commercial ELISA–based pregnancy test kit, and the test results can be used in decisions and assessments based on the levels of PAG molecules.

Compact and modular bioprobe: Integrating SpyCatcher/SpyTag recombinant proteins with zwitterionic polymer-coated quantum dots

The development of quantum dot (QD)-based modular bioprobe that has a compact size and enable a facile conjugation of various biofunctional groups is in high demand. To address this, we surface engineered QDs with zwitterion polymer ligands to have an inherent compact size and derivatized them sequentially with the recombinant proteins SpyCatcher/SpyTag (SC/ST) to use their protein ligation system. SC/ST spontaneously form one complex through the isopeptide bond between them. SC-conjugated QDs (QD–SC) were used as base building blocks. Then, ST–biomolecules were added for modular biofunctionalization. We synthesized compact sized (∼15 nm) QD–SC–ST–affibody (antibody-mimicking small protein for tumor detection) conjugates, which showed successful cell-receptor targeting. The target cell-receptor could be easily tuned by changing the type of ST-affibody. We also demonstrated that anti-human-chorionic-gonadotropin mouse IgG1 antibodies can be labeled on the QD surface by mixing QD–SC with the ST–MG1Nb (mouse-IgG1-specific protein). The immunoassay performance of the antibody-labeled QDs was evaluated using a pregnancy test kit, displaying equivalent detection sensitivity to a commercially available kit. This study proposed an innovative strategy for QD biofunctionalization in a modular manner, which can be expanded to a diverse range of colloidal particle derivatization.

Factors associated with knowledge and use of home pregnancy test kits in Uganda.

Early detection of pregnancy status may help women initiate earlier antenatal care and healthy pregnancy behaviors, which could lead to healthier mothers and infants. Pregnancy tests are inexpensive and easy to use; meanwhile, little attention has been given to understanding women's knowledge and use of home pregnancy tests, especially in developing countries. We analyze cross-sectional data collected from 1,008 women ages 18-35, living in Northern Uganda in 2019, who are most likely to be uncertain about their pregnancy status. The survey asked women if they had knowledge of or had ever used a home pregnancy test kit, and barriers to purchasing a home pregnancy test kit. Among the 1,008 women, 65 percent report knowledge of home pregnancy test kits, and 29 percent report having ever used a test kit. Women who have heard of pregnancy test kits have higher levels of education, are in higher wealth quintiles, are more likely to have a salaried occupation and live closer to a health facility. Among women who report knowledge of home pregnancy test kits (N = 657), 90 percent report needing to ask their husband or partner for money to purchase a test kit, seven percent report they would hide the purchase, and 31 percent report that their husband or partner would not support the purchase. Women who report a lack of support from their husband or partner tend to be older, are more likely to have had prior pregnancies, are less likely to have a salaried occupation, are less likely to want a/another child, and are more likely to have a husband or partner desiring more children than herself. Future research aimed at understanding how and whether these barriers affect the utilization of home pregnancy test kits could help inform policymakers on how to increase the use of home pregnancy test kits. Trial registration: NCT03975933. Registered 05 June 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT03975933.

DCas9-Mediated PCR-Free Detection of Oncogenic Mutation by Nonequilibrium Nanoelectrokinetic Selective Preconcentration.

Cutting-edge nanoelectrokinetic technology in this work provides a breakthrough for the present clinical demands of molecular diagnosis to detect a trace amount of oncogenic mutation of DNA in a short time without an erroneous PCR procedure. In this work, we combined the sequence-specific labeling scheme of CRISPR/dCas9 and ion concentration polarization (ICP) mechanism to separately preconcentrate target DNA molecules for rapid detection. Using the mobility shift caused by dCas9's specific binding to the mutant, the mutated DNA and normal DNA were distinguished in the microchip. Based on this technique, we successfully demonstrated the dCas9-mediated 1-min detection of single base substitution (SBS) in EGFR DNA, a carcinogenesis indicator. Moreover, the presence/absence of target DNA was identified at a glance like a commercial pregnancy test kit (two lines for positive and one line for negative) by the distinct preconcentration mechanisms of ICP, even at the 0.1% concentration of the target mutant.

Over-the-Counter Use of Medical Abortion Pills: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Medical abortion is a safe intervention in the first trimester that requires access to accurate information and the support of a trained healthcare provider. However, women often use medical abortion pills on their own or with guidance from friends, relatives, quacks, or pharmacists due to the easy availability of these drugs over-the-counter without a medical prescription. Aim: To study the effects of over-the-counter use of medical abortion pills on maternal health and to explore the possible reasons for it. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. The study duration was one year and five months, from June 2020 to October 2021. A total of 98 women who reported unsupervised consumption of medical abortion pills over a period of 17 months were included in the study. Demographic and obstetric profiles, clinical presentation, diagnosis, outcomes, and complications were analysed. Reasons for unsupervised intake were also explored. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: The study included 98 women, with the majority (54.08%) belonging to the 25-31 years age group. Out of these, 49 (50%) women took the abortion pills between 7-12 weeks, 32 (32.65%) before seven weeks, and 17 (17.35%) between 13-20 weeks. Pregnancy was confirmed with a Urine Pregnancy Test (UPT) kit in 64 (65.30%) women, with Ultrasonography (USG) in 22 (22.45%) women, while 12 (12.25%) took pills based solely on missed periods. The most common clinical presentation was excessive vaginal bleeding in 70 (71.42%) cases. Incomplete abortions were observed in 77 (78.56%) women, missed abortions in 10 (11.22%) women, and septic abortions in 4 (4.08%) women. Laparotomy was needed in six women with ectopic pregnancy. Two women required hysterectomy, one due to uterine perforation after suction evacuation in a private hospital, and the other due to intractable haemorrhage. Blood transfusion was needed in 25 (25.5%) women, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care in 15 (15.3%) women. However, none experienced acute kidney injury, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), or mortality. The main reasons for over-thecounter use of abortion pills were privacy or non-disclosure of pregnancy in 48 (48.9%) cases, opposition from the husband in 31 (31.6%) cases, avoiding a hospital visit in 25 (25.51%) cases, and easy availability of the pills in 27 (27.55%) cases. Conclusion: Unsupervised intake of pills increases the risk of complications like incomplete or missed abortion, sepsis, and ectopic pregnancy, which may require blood transfusion, ICU admission, and major surgeries like laparotomy or hysterectomy in a few cases. Therefore, there is a need for supervised intake of pills to reduce maternal morbidities.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF B-HCG AND NITRAZINE PAPER TEST IN VAGINAL WASHINGS TAKING AMNIOTIC FLUID POOLING AS GOLD STANDARD OF DIAGNOSING PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES

Background: Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) is common in obstetrics and management of such patients depends on whether the rupture has occurred or not. With membranes ruptured the fetus is deprived of protection provided within the amniotic cavity. Beta-Human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-HCG) is a hormone and is present in high concentration in amniotic fluid as well as in the blood and urine of the mother and is studied as possible predictor of preterm labour and as marker of PROM.
 Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of B-hCG & nitrazine paper test in vaginal washings taking amniotic fluid pooling as gold standard for diagnosing premature rupture of membranes.
 Material & Methods: It was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted at Unit Department, of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. After that vaginal washings were taken for β-hCG testing. A pregnancy test kit (Accu Check) was used for detection of β-hCG in vaginal fluid washings. According to amount of µ-hCG in the washings the result has been positive as early as 40 Seconds but for labeling the result negative 5 minutes complete reaction time has been observed. On netrizine kit, the positive test is indicated by distinct colour band on both; control and test side.
 Results: Mean age of women was 27.17+4.55 years. Mean age of gestation was 36.16 + 3.30 weeks. Sensitivity & specificity of Nitrazine Paper Test were 92.17% & 66.67%. However the PPV & NPV for Nitrazine Paper Test was 98.15% & 30.77% respectively. Sensitivity & specificity of β-hCG Test was 94.35% & 75%. However the PPV & NPV for β-hCG test was 98.64% & 40.91% respectively.
 Conclusion: Results of this stud y showed that B-subunit of hCG measured by over-the-counter available pregnancy test kit is a dependable quick and easy test for detection of premature rupture of membranes. This test can be performed on the bed side of the patient without Lab involvement. This test can be promoted as an additional help for the diagnosis of doubtful and ambiguous cases of premature rupture of membranes.

Evaluation of sero-epidemiology of toxoplasmosis with its associated risk factors among antenatal attendees of a referral health facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can infect pregnant women, foetus, women of childbearing age and it is also zoonotic. The sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis with its associated risk factors in two hundred and seventy-seven gravidae attending University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital was investigated to ascertain the current status of toxoplasmosis in Rivers State. Blood samples were collected from the subjects through veno-puncture, and the blood tests performed using the rapid test kits for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies following manufacturer’s instructions. Commercial pregnancy test kits and HIV test kits were used to confirm their pregnancy and HIV status. Out of the 277 pregnant subjects examined, the overall prevalence was 5(1.8%) for T. gondii IgG antibody and 14(6.9%) positive for HIV. None of the HIV pregnant subjects were positive for toxoplasmosis. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the distribution of toxoplasmosis and other variables. The age groups 20 -29 years and 30-39 years had the highest sero-prevalence rates of 3(60%) and 2(40%) respectively for IgG while age group 40-49 years recorded no sero-prevalence. Exposure related sero-prevalence showed that eating of raw vegetables, undercooked meat, and exposure to contaminated soil through farming were more sensitive risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis than others. There was no statistically significant difference observed among those using cat as pets (P>0.05). A higher statistically significant difference was observed among the subjects that ate raw vegetables and drank untreated water (P<0.05) compared to those who ate cooked vegetables and drank treated water. The need for intensified health campaign to enlighten the society and pregnant mothers on the dangers of acquiring this neglected tropical disease- toxoplasmosis- and how to prevent it has been advocated.

Highly sensitive pregnancy test kit via oriented antibody conjugation on brush-type ligand-coated quantum beads

Lateral flow assays (LFA) enable development of portable and rapid diagnostic kits; however, their capacity to detect low levels of disease markers remains poor. Here, we report a highly sensitive pregnancy test kit as a proof of concept, by combining brush-type ligand-coated quantum beads (B-type QBs) and nanobody, which can control the antibody orientation and enhance sensitivity. The brush-type ligand provided excellent dispersion stability and high-binding capacity toward antibody. Fc-binding nanobody increased the antigen-binding capacity of conjugated antibodies on the B-type QBs. To facilitate convenient acquisition of the LFA results, we developed a smartphone-based reader with a 3D-printed optical imaging module, and validated the diagnostic performance of the sensing platform. The pregnancy test kit achieved a 5.1 pg mL−1 limit of detection, corresponding to the levels for early-stage detection of heart disease and malaria. Our LFA application can potentially be expanded to diagnosis other diseases by simply changing the antibody pair in the kit.

Evaluation of bovine visual ELISA test for detection of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in early pregnancy diagnosis in goats

Pregnancy diagnosis is the primary factor for improving reproductive performance and high economic efficiency in herds. Early pregnancy diagnosis, on the other hand, allows livestock to optimise production with greater reproductive performance and correct it with timely intervention. In the present study, it was aimed to investigate the effectiveness and reliability of the commercial rapid visual pregnancy test kit prepared for the detection of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins from blood serum in early pregnancy diagnosis in goats. Healthy and fertile, 3–5 years old 150 Damascus goats were used in the study. Oestrous synchronisation was applied to the goats between the anoestrous period and the onset of the transition period. Goats in oestrous were bred naturally. Blood samples were taken from the goats on the 28th day after their breeding. Progesterone measurement and rapid visual pregnancy test were performed from the blood samples taken. For the diagnosis of pregnancy, transabdominal ultrasonography was applied to the goats 50 days after the breeding. Ultrasonographic examination results were used as reference value. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value ratios of serum progesterone measurement and visual PAG-ELISA kit were determined as 88.23%, 91.46%, 89.55%, 90.36% and 94.12%, 80.49%, 80%, 94.29%, respectively. In the study, it was ascertained that progesterone concentration results were in good agreement with ultrasonography results (kappa=0.798), and visual PAG-ELISA results were in good agreement with ultrasonography results (kappa = 0.735). Moreover, the concordance of progesterone concentration results with visual PAG-ELISA results was also found to be excellent (kappa = 0.828). The ability to accurately diagnose serum progesterone measurement and visual PAG-ELISA kit was found to be 90% and 86.67%, respectively. In conclusion, it can be accepted that the visual PAG-ELISA test in goats is useful in distinguishing pregnant from non-pregnant animals in the early stages of pregnancy. It can be said that in practice it can be used alone or in combination with other methods.

Role of pharmaceutical industry in killing humanity & fostering social disorganization

Westernization has deeply affected the Indian society by discarding morality, values and ethics. In a traditional Indian Society almost all human actions, behavior and even relationships were well defined and kept under limitations. Restricted and legalized way of sexual relation, that too after solemnization of legal marriage, was in practice. Since the relationship was legal, birth of children used to be a celebration and no place was for abortion or for termination of pregnancy. Modern India is totally different. Now sexual relations without marriage is a fashion and unwanted pregnancy is not a big issue. The credit goes to pharmacy sector which has invented and produced a series of contraceptives like caps, condoms, combined pills, implant, injections etc. These are the primary level of protections and if fails, secondary level is also there. Now a person without any prescription can purchase a pregnancy test kit from a medical store and test pregnancy easily. If the result is positive, pharmacy again assists by providing abortion pills etc. which works from the first day of pregnancy to 20 weeks.

Effect of pregnancy tests on demand for family planning: evidence from a randomized controlled trial in Uganda

BackgroundUnmet need for family planning and unintended pregnancies are high in developing countries. Home pregnancy tests help women determine their pregnancy status earlier and the confirmation of a negative pregnancy status can facilitate the adoption of family planning. This study provides the first experimental evidence of the effect of access to pregnancy tests on women’s demand for modern family planning.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted among 810 women of reproductive age in northern Uganda. During a baseline survey, women were randomly allocated to either: (1) an offer to take a hCG urine pregnancy test during the survey (on-the-spot pregnancy test) (N = 170), (2) an offer of a home pregnancy test kit to be used at any time in the future (future-use pregnancy test) (N = 163), (3) offers of both on-the-spot and future-use pregnancy tests (N = 153), or (4) a control group (N = 324). Future-use pregnancy tests were offered either for free, or randomly assigned prices. Approximately 4 weeks after the baseline survey, a follow-up survey was conducted; modern contraception methods were made available at no charge at local community outreach centers.ResultsWhen offered a free, on-the-spot pregnancy test, 62 percent of women accepted (N = 200). Almost all, 97 percent (N = 69), of women offered a free future-use pregnancy test strip, accepted it. Purchases of future-use pregnancy tests declined with price. The offer of either on-the-spot, future-use tests, or both, have no overall large or statistically significant effects on the take-up of modern family planning.ConclusionDemand for pregnancy tests is high and access to pregnancy tests has the potential to facilitate the demand for family planning. At the same time, more research is needed to understand underlying beliefs about pregnancy status and risk that guide behaviors ultimately important for maternal and neonatal health.Trial registration The study was pre-registered in July 2018 for AEA RCT registry (AEARCTR-0003187) and clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03975933). Registered 05 June 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT03975933

Nanomaterial Based Biosensors for Detection of Viruses Including SARS-CoV-2: A Review.

The COVID-19 outbreak led to an uncontrollable situation and was later declared a global pandemic. RT-PCR is one of the reliable methods for the detection of COVID-19, but it requires transporting samples to sophisticated laboratories and takes a significant amount of time to amplify the viral genome. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a large-scale, rapid, specific, and portable detection kit. Nowadays nanomaterials-based detection technology has been developed and it showed advancement over the conventional methods in selectivity and sensitivity. This review aims at summarising some of the most promising nanomaterial-based sensing technologies for detecting SARS-CoV-2. Nanomaterials possess unique physical, chemical, electrical and optical properties, which can be exploited for the application in biosensors. Furthermore, nanomaterials work on the same scale as biological processes and can be easily functionalized with substrates of interest. These devices do not require extraordinary sophistication and are suitable for use by common individuals without high-tech laboratories. Electrochemical and colorimetric methods similar to glucometer and pregnancy test kits are discussed and reviewed as potential diagnostic devices for COVID-19. Other devices working on the principle of immune response and microarrays are also discussed as possible candidates. Nanomaterials such as metal nanoparticles, graphene, quantum dots, and CNTs enhance the limit of detection and accuracy of the biosensors to give spontaneous results. The challenges of industrial-scale production of these devices are also discussed. If mass production is successfully developed, these sensors can ramp up the testing to provide the accurate number of people affected by the virus, which is extremely critical in today’s scenario.

Sero-epidemiological assessment of toxoplasmosis among antenatal attendees of university of Port Harcourt teaching hospital, rivers state, Nigeria

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can infect pregnant mothers and women of child bearing age and is transmitted to the unborn baby. The sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis with its associated risk factors in two hundred and seventy-seven pregnant subjects attending University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital was investigated to ascertain the current sero-prevalence status of toxoplasmosis in River State. Blood samples were collected from the subjects through a veno-puncture and the blood tests were performed using the rapid test kits for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies following manufactures instructions. Commercial pregnancy test kits and HIV test kits were used to confirm their pregnancy and HIV status. Out of the 277 pregnant subjects examined, the overall prevalence was 1.8% (5/277) positive for T. gondii IgG antibody and 6.9% (19/277) positive for HIV. None of the HIV pregnant subjects were positive for toxoplasmosis. All data were presented in frequency and percentages. The chi-square analysis was used to assess the distribution of toxoplasmosis and other variables. All the analysis was done with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. The age group of 20 -29 years and 30-39 years had the highest sero- prevalence rates of 3(60%) and 2(40%) respectively for IgG while age group 40-49 years recorded no sero-prevalence. Exposure related sero-prevalence showed that eating of raw vegetables, undercooked meat, and exposure to contaminated soil through farming were more sensitive risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis than others. There was no statistical significance using cat as pets at P>0.05. A Statistical significance difference of toxoplasmosis was higher among the subjects that ate raw vegetables and drank contaminated water (P<0.05) compared to those who ate cooked vegetables and drank treated water. The need for health campaign to enlighten the society and pregnant mothers on the dangers of acquiring toxoplasmosis and how to avoid it is advocated.

Evaluation of A Rapid Visual Pregnancy (Bio- RPD) test for detection of Pregnancy Specific Protein B (PSPB) in Cow Serum

The early pregnancy diagnosis allows optimizing production and timely management correction, with a greater reproductive output of livestock. The BioPRYN Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test® from Bio tracking USA consists of an ELISA for visual reading which does not require the use of readers in the laboratory, with satisfactory pregnancy diagnoses at 28 days of pregnancy in heifers and 30 days in cows. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of this rapid test (Bio-RPD) based on visual observation of color change and Optical Density (OD) using BioPRYN Flex ELISA. For this purpose, 92 serum samples from cows were tested. The numbers of positive pregnant samples obtained with Biorapid (Bio-RPD) were 63 (68.5 %) while with BioPRYN Flex ELISA was 66 (71.7%). The numbers of negative not pregnant samples were 25 (27.2%) with Bio-RPD while they were 26 (28.2%0) with BioPRYN ELISA. Three samples were recorded as recheck with Bio-RPD and they were pregnant with BioPRYN Flex. Only one sample was identified as pregnant by Bio-RPD (1.1%) while it is not pregnant by BioPRYN Flex ELISA (false positive). Test results were showing that accuracy of the BioPRYN Visual Pregnancy test kit with sensitivity of 99% compared to BioPRYN ELISA Pregnancy test kit. In conclusion, we recommend that the Bio-RPD visual test could be used as a rapid accurate tool for pregnancy diagnosis on farms which has no laboratory ELISA equipment or trans rectal ultrasonography.

Sero-Epidemiological Assessment of Toxoplasmosis Among Antenatal Attendees of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can infect pregnant mothers, women of child bearing age and it can be transmitted to the unborn baby. The sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis with its associated risk factors in two hundred and seventy-seven pregnant attending University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital was investigated to ascertain the current status of toxoplasmosis in River State. Blood samples were collected from the subjects through a veno-puncture and the blood tests were performed using the rapid test kits for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies following manufactures instructions. Commercial pregnancy test kits and HIV test kits were used to confirm their pregnancy and HIV status. Out of the 277 pregnant subjects examined, the overall prevalence was 5(1.8%) for T. gondii IgG antibody and 14(6.9%) positive for HIV. None of the HIV pregnant subjects were positive for toxoplasmosis. All data were presented in frequency and percentages. The chi-square analysis was used to assess the distribution of toxoplasmosis and other variables. All the analysis was done with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. The age group of 20 -29 years and 30-39 years had the highest sero- prevalence rates of 3(60%) and 2(40%) respectively for IgG while age group 40-49 years recorded no sero-prevalence. Exposure related sero-prevalence showed that eating of raw vegetables, undercooked meat, and exposure to contaminated soil through farming were more sensitive risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis than others. There was no statistical significance using cat as pets at P>0.05. A Statistical significance difference of toxoplasmosis was higher among the subjects that ate raw vegetables and drank contaminated water (P<0.05) compared to those who ate cooked vegetables and drank treated water. The need for health campaign to enlighten the society and pregnant mothers on the dangers of acquiring toxoplasmosis and how to avoid it is advocated. Funding Statement: This study was self funded by the authors. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical approval was obtained from University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) Ethical Committee. After the approval, the proposal was further presented to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (O&G), thereafter, informed and written consents were obtained from the volunteers after due consultation.

Predictor: The First Home Pregnancy Test

AbstractThis essay uses Predictor, the first home pregnancy test, to reexamine the doctor-patient relationship in Britain in the 1960s and 1970s, a tumultuous period associated with permissiveness, women's liberation, and the erosion of medical authority. It shows how the rise of self-testing contributed to a realignment of the power dynamics among women, doctors, and pharmacists. It argues that the humble home pregnancy test kit merits a place—alongside the birth control pill and abortion law reform—in histories of health consumerism and reproductive choice in the twentieth century.

Comparison of the time required for manual (visually read) and semi-automated POCT urinalysis and pregnancy testing with associated electronic medical record (EMR) transcription errors

BackgroundPOCT urinalysis (UA) and urine pregnancy tests (UPT) are routinely performed in obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) clinics by dipstick and pregnancy test kit methods respectively. In this study, we compared the time, efficiency and accuracy of these tests using manual, visually read methods and a semi-automated analyzer that was not interfaced to the EMR. MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 2525 patients at five Ob/Gyn clinics. Urine samples were tested using three different dipsticks for UA (2, 7 and 10 test pads) and the Sure-Vue™ urine pregnancy test kit. The samples were analyzed on the CLINITEK Status® Connect System and results compared for time taken and errors in results’ transcription. ResultsUsing the CLINITEK Status Connect System, average test time and average total test time for UA dipsticks 7 and 10 test pads was significantly less than the manual, visually read method (0.77 and 0.64 min, respectively; p < 0.001). The average test time for manual, visually read Chem 2 was significantly less than the CLINITEK Status Connect System (0.09 min; p = 0.005), but not the average total test time (0.08 min; p = 0.33). Average test time for a negative UPT using the CLINITEK Status Connect System was significantly greater (0.87 min; p < 0.001). We found a transcription error rate of 0.3–1.7% for UA results and none for UPT. About 8% of UA and 12% of UPT results were not documented in EMR. ConclusionThe CLINITEK Status Connect System was more efficient than the manual, visually read process and if interfaced with the EMR would eliminate errors and non-documentation of results.

A qualitative study of safe abortion and post-abortion family planning service experiences of women attending private facilities in Kenya

BackgroundTo inform improvements in safe abortion and post-abortion family planning (PAFP) services, this study aimed to explore the pathways, decision-making, experiences and preferences of women receiving safe abortion and post-abortion family planning (PAFP) at private clinics in western Kenya.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 women who had recently used a safe abortion service from a private clinic. Interviews explored abortion-seeking behaviour and decision-making, abortion experience, use and knowledge of contraception, experience of PAFP counselling, and perceived facilitators of and challenges to family planning use.ResultsRespondents discovered their pregnancies due to physical symptoms, which were confirmed using pregnancy testing kits, often purchased from pharmacies. Respondents usually discussed their abortion decision with their partner, and, sometimes, carefully-selected friends or family members. Some reported being referred to private clinics for abortion services directly from other providers. Others had more complex pathways, first seeking care from unsafe providers, trying to self-induce abortion, being turned away from alternative safe facilities that were closed or too busy, or taking time to gather financial resources to pay for care. Participants wanted to use abortion services at facilities reputed for being accessible, clean, medically safe, and offering quick, respectful, private and courteous services. Awareness of reputable clinics was gained through personal experience, and recommendations from contacts and other health providers.Most participants had previously used contraception, with some reports of incorrect use and many reports of side effects. PAFP counselling was valued by clients, but some accounts suggested the counselling lacked comprehensive information. Many women chose contraception immediately following PAFP counselling; but others wanted to delay decision-making about contraception until the abortion was complete.ConclusionWomen’s pathways to safe abortion care can be complex, including use of multiple abortion methods, delays due to financial barriers, and challenges accessing safe providers. Improvements in community knowledge of safe abortion care and accessibility of services are needed to reduce recourse to unsafe abortion. PAFP counselling is valued by clients but quality of counselling can be improved by exploring women’s contraceptive histories, including information on more contraceptive methods, and inclusion of support for women who want to delay family planning uptake until their abortion is complete.

Diagnosis of pregnancy in Southern Lechwes (Kobus Leche) using a bovine assay for pregnancy-associated glycoprotein

Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000206 EndHTML:0000004229 StartFragment:0000002452 EndFragment:0000004193 SourceURL:file://localhost/Volumes/NO%20NAME/000/Article%20PAG%20cobes%20final%202.1%20BL-CP-TR.doc Pregnancy diagnosis is an important part in reproduction management of wild ruminants involved in free-ranging and captive programs. The pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are a polymorphic family of placenta-expressed proteins, and released into maternal blood circulation where they can be assayed. These tests have been developed and validated in domestic species; PAGs have also been isolated in a few non domestic species of the Bovidae and Cervidae families. Assays have been used in many cervid species, but in very few wild Bovidae species,with high specificity. One hundred and twenty serum samples collected from 79 mature female Southern lechwes (Kobus leche) were tested using a commercial ELISA test (IDEXX Bovine Pregnancy Test Kit, IDEXX Europe BV, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands). Pregnancy was determined either at necropsy (n = 7), by transabdominal palpation in late pregnancy (n = 3), or by visualization of birth (n = 32). The other sera were controls from known non-pregnant females (n = 78). Following the range of use recommended by the manufacturer in domestic bovids, three false positive and two false negative results were identified; though this test gets the following values: sensitivity = 95.2%, specificity = 97.4%, positive predictive value = 95.2%, and negative predictive value = 97.4%. Using an ELISA validated in domestic species for the detection of PAGs appears to be a rapid, inexpensive and acurate test for pregnancy diagnosis in Southern lechwes. Nevertheless, more samples are needed to determine a better range of use of this test in this species.