A Urine Pregnancy Test (UPT) is a diagnostic test used to detect pregnancy by measuring the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a woman's urine. hCG is produced by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. The test is typically performed at home or in a clinical setting using a urine sample.
A positive result indicates that hCG is present, confirming pregnancy, while a negative result suggests no pregnancy. Urine pregnancy tests are most accurate when performed after a missed period, but they can sometimes detect pregnancy as early as a few days before a missed period.