Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections that occur in the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. Pregnancy tests, on the other hand, detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. The primary function of a pregnancy test is to identify this hormone in either urine or blood to confirm or rule out a pregnancy.
The integrity of pregnancy test results is paramount for informed reproductive health decisions. Accurate results allow individuals to seek appropriate prenatal care, make lifestyle adjustments, and plan accordingly. Historical diagnostic methods for pregnancy have evolved significantly, with modern tests offering rapid and reliable results. Understanding factors that may interfere with these results is crucial for avoiding unnecessary anxiety or potential health risks.