The pregnancy hormone, HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin), is produced when a woman becomes pregnant. Pregnancy tests detect the presence of this hormone in a woman's urine or blood. If a test result is negative, HCG has not been detected and a woman is probably not pregnant. It is advised, however, to re-take the test after one week to ensure that a woman's menstruation cycle has not been miscalculated.

The two most common types of pregnancy test kits (PTKs) are the PTK strip with an absorbent tip and the PTK unit with a urine well. The strip kit comprises a stick that the woman holds in her hand at one end, and at the same time, urinates on the other end. The unit kit comprises a urine collection cup, an encased unit and a dropper. After filling the cup with urine, the woman uses the dropper to deposit a small amount of the urine onto the test unit. Results of a pregnancy or non-pregnancy can be observed after approximately three minutes by various signs, depending on the test (e.g., a + or - sign; different colors; one or two lines; etc.). PTKs are, on average, 99% accurate, can be used at any time of the day and as early as the first day of a missed period.

 PSI, in partnership with PROSALUD, a Venezuelan NGO, social markets the Safe Test pregnancy test kit in Venezuela. Safe Test is an encased unit, and in Venezuela, offers a less expensive alternative to a laboratory visit. In replacing the scientific and technological image offered by a lab, it was necessary for PROSALUD to offer a product with similar attributes. The encased unit maintains a "scientific" image more readily than the strip kit. In addition, Safe Test can be sold directly to doctors and clinics, who, in many cases, are already using this technology.¹ Safe Test was launched in May 1996, and as of August 2001, cumulative sales reached 58,079. According to PROSALUD, the kit has carved for itself a niche in the Venezuelan market.

1. Certain encased units are referred to as "combo" units and can test both urine and serum.

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PSI markets pregnancy test kits in Venezuela.