What type of specimen is commonly required for a pregnancy test?

A urine specimen is commonly required for a pregnancy test because it allows for the detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. Urine tests for pregnancy are widely used due to their convenience, ease of collection, and the ability to provide quick results.

While blood specimens can also be utilized to detect hCG, they are typically reserved for more specialized testing, such as determining the exact levels of hCG or when urine tests are inconclusive. Saliva and hair specimens are not used for standard pregnancy testing, as they do not provide reliable measurements of hCG. Therefore, the use of a urine specimen is the most common and practical choice for performing pregnancy tests.