Routine pregnancy testing before treatment

Read our guide below to help you understand about routine pregnancy testing for young people.

You can also download a PDF version of this patient information by following the link on the right.

This page explains why all female patients who have started their periods are asked to have a routine pregnancy test before certain tests or operations.

Why do I need a pregnancy test?

Some procedures including x-rays, scans and anaesthetics, carry a risk to unborn babies, particularly in the very early stages of pregnancy.

What does the test involve?

On the day of your procedure we’ll ask you for a sample of urine.  You’ll get the results on the same day.

We may ask you to agree to the pregnancy test. A parent or person with parental responsibility may need to consent on your behalf.

Can I refuse the test?

Yes, you can. If you can consent to the test yourself and choose not to go ahead, we’ll explain the risk to you and make a note in your medical record of that discussion.

If your parent or a person with parental responsibility needs to consent and they don’t feel it’s right for you, we’ll also explain the risks to you both. We’ll also make a note of the discussion in your medical records.

We recommend everyone who’s had their first period have the test.

What happens next?

If the test is negative (you’re not pregnant)

We’ll tell you if you have asked us to. We’ll also record the result in your medical notes.

If the test is positive (you’re pregnant)

Your age and circumstances will determine who needs to know that you’re pregnant. This will include your doctor who’ll decide if the procedure can still go ahead or whether it needs to be delayed.

If we need to tell your parent or carer about the result, we’ll talk to you first. Tell us if you’d like our help to let them know .

Depending on your age, the children’s safeguarding team may need to know. The team protects young people who may need extra support to keep them safe.

Who can I talk to?

Your parent or carer, close relative, friends and a nurse or doctor while you’re in hospital, or your GP.

Confidentiality

Any professional you talk to will respect your right to confidentiality.

Confidentiality means that won’t share information about you without your agreement. The only exception to this is if we think that your health or safety of you, or someone else, is at risk. If we need to share information about you with anyone else, we’ll tell you why we need to do this.

Useful links

Information and advice about sexual health

Reducing associated healthcare infections

Find out how you can help to reduce healthcare associated infections when visiting hospital