Pregnancy tests are usually simple urine tests that screen for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). HCG is released when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus and is only found in the body if you are pregnant. You can take a home pregnancy test or go to a medical provider to be tested. Brown students can make an appointment for a pregnancy test at Health Services by calling 401.863-3953. The test is covered by your Health Services fee, so there is no charge at the time of your visit. Home pregnancy tests are available in the Health Services pharmacy for $5-$10. Tests are also available at most drugstores and are usually about $15.
If you take a home test, it's important to follow all of the instructions carefully. The results will be either positive - meaning pregnant - or negative - meaning not pregnant. When used as directed, the home tests have similar results to the urine pregnancy tests in most medical providers' offices.
Your medical provider can also determine whether or not you're pregnant by testing your blood. But blood pregnancy tests aren't done very often. This information on this page is specific to the more commonly used urine tests.