How do pregnancy tests actually work?

#210

Melissa and Jam dive into the science of home pregnancy tests. They explore the process in which these tests detect the presence of the hormone HCG, which signals a positive pregnancy result. The episode explains the roles of capillary action, antibodies, and enzymes in the test's operation and discusses the specificity needed to avoid false positives and negatives. The hosts also share personal anecdotes related to pregnancy tests and offer gratitude to their supportive community. This episode offers a fascinating look at how everyday chemistry impacts our lives in important ways.

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00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Pregnancy Tests

00:17 Curiosity and Chemistry in Everyday Life

04:18 Acknowledging the Community and Supporters

05:09 The Science Behind Pregnancy Tests

06:33 How Pregnancy Tests Detect Hormones

13:19 Ensuring Accuracy in Pregnancy Tests

22:56 Introduction to the Blue and Yellow Balls Analogy

24:12 Understanding the Antibody Mechanism

26:45 Biotin and Its Impact on Test Results

29:33 Personal Stories and Fun Facts

32:06 The Benefits of the Pee Style Device

37:29 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

References from this episode:

1. https://www.acs.org/pressroom/reactions/library/how-do-pregnancy-tests-work.html


2. https://www.compoundchem.com/2018/11/09/pregnancy-tests/


3. https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/clinical-testing-and-diagnostics-manufacturing/ivd-manufacturing/intro-horseradish-peroxidase-hrp-applications?srsltid=AfmBOorCr6_j7sKr8ZBm3jQa4Rz-PdxyabPLY4OO-KtQJZESFXpdRe19#lateral-flow-assays


4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555922/


5. https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/protein-biology/protein-biology-learning-center/protein-biology-resource-library/pierce-protein-methods/overview-elisa.html#:~:text=The%20most%20commonly%20used%20enzyme,an%20HRP%20or%20AP%20conjugate.

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