Who will be tested?
All girls aged 12 years and over coming for an operation, x ray or other scan that you need an anaesthetic (to be asleep) for will be asked to carry out a pregnancy test.
This will be done on the day you come in for your operation and is a routine test just like checking your height and weight.
Why do I need to be tested?
- Pregnancy, even early pregnancy, causes changes to your body and this affects some of the medicines we use to get you to sleep.
- Certain medicines, operations and scans can harm your unborn baby.
I know I am not pregnant so why do you still need to test me?
We know that many teenage girls are not having sex and could not be pregnant.
We do not know who may and may not be pregnant so the safest way to not miss any pregnancies is to check everyone.
How is a pregnancy test carried out?
You will be asked to give a sample of urine. The nurses on the ward can then use this to test if you are pregnant.
Giving permission for the test
Before we can carry out the test we need you or your parents to give permission (give consent).
Sometimes you can do this yourself and sometimes we need your parent / carer to give us permission on your behalf.
Can I say no to being tested or can my parent refuse?
If you are over 16 years old or have the understanding to consent for yourself then you may refuse testing however this may lead to delay or cancellation of the procedure.
If your parent refuses this may also lead to delay or cancellation and our safeguarding team may want to discuss this with them.
What happens with the result?
The nurses get an almost immediate result and they can tell you straight away.
This will be told directly to you, but there may be times when we need to discuss this with somebody else. For example:
- Your parent/carer if they gave consent (permission) for the test.
- Other members of staff at the hospital such as doctors or nurses involved in your care.
- Our team of midwives who look after teenagers.
If you want to talk to your nurse privately away from your parents you can ask for this.
The result will only be told to staff who need to know the result in order to help care for you.
What if the test is negative?
If the result is negative (you are not pregnant) you will be told, it will be written in your notes and the procedure will go ahead as planned.
You may be asked during further checks if you have had a test done.
What if the test is positive?
If the result is positive (you are pregnant) you will be told the result and the doctor looking after you will be informed.
They will make a decision whether to delay the surgery or to carry on.
Some procedures may still go ahead with changes made to ensure the safety of yourself and the baby.
Other people may be informed where appropriate, to give you information and support, such as:
- Our specialist team of midwives looking after teenagers
- Our safeguarding team
- Other doctors involved in your care
We will ensure you are given all the information, advice and support you need regarding the test result.
What should I do if I think I am pregnant when I come into hospital?
If you think you are pregnant it is very important to inform your doctor or the nurse admitting you. If you are attending pre-op assessment it is important to let the nurses know during your appointment.
What if I had a test done at pre-assessment?
Even if you have had a pregnancy test done at pre-assessment you will still be asked to provide another sample on the day you are admitted for surgery. This is to ensure that you have not become pregnant between the pre-assessment appointment and the day of your procedure.
What do I do if I have further questions?
If there is anything you don’t understand you can talk to one of the nurses or your doctor on the day of surgery.
They can talk to you privately and explain anything that you are not clear about.
If you want to talk to someone before the day of surgery you can contact our daycase ward on: 0113 392 7449
or the children’s surgical admissions lounge on: 0113 392 6502