Pregnancy testing before a procedure

Why does my child need a pregnancy test?

Before certain tests, it is Children's Minnesota standard policy that all patients with a uterus who are 10 years old or older, are younger than 10 years old but have begun menstruation, OR state they are sexually active or may be pregnant will be screened for pregnancy. Anesthesia, sedation, certain other medicines, or exposure to radiation can pose a serious risk to pregnancy. We need to know whether or not a patient is pregnant in order to provide the safest care possible.

How is the test done?

Your child will be asked to provide a urine sample for testing. If they are unable to urinate, a blood sample will be used. If a blood sample is needed for other tests, some of the blood can be used for the pregnancy screening.

Very rarely, a false-positive result can occur, and further testing would then be needed.

How are the results shared?

Following "Minor consent" laws, the results of this test will be told to your child and they have the right to decide how they will share this information.

If your child is found to be pregnant, resources will be given to help make decisions.

Questions?

This sheet is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any other questions or concerns about the test, please ask the doctor.

Updated 9/2023

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