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Date of Last Menstrual Period (LMP) or Pregnancy Confirmation (qualitative urine hCG)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test checks either your last menstrual period date or confirms pregnancy by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine.

Quick summary

["Knowing your LMP or screening for pregnancy helps track fertility and monitor early pregnancy health."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
68355-7
Short code
DATESIGNED
Synonyms
—
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

When Is This Test Used?

Doctors may order an LMP to track menstrual cycles, plan family planning, or assess fertility issues. A pregnancy test is used when you suspect you might be pregnant or before certain procedures (like ultrasounds) to confirm pregnancy early.

How Is This Test Done?

For LMP: Your provider asks for the date your period started. For pregnancy: You provide a urine sample at a lab or use an at-home test kit that detects hCG in your urine.

What Does the Result Mean?

If testing LMP, the result is simply the date you provided. If testing for pregnancy, a positive result means hCG is present, suggesting pregnancy. A negative result means no detectable hCG, so pregnancy is unlikely (though false negatives can occur early in pregnancy).

What Are Common Reasons for Testing?

LMP tracking helps manage menstrual cycles, fertility planning, or symptoms like irregular periods. Pregnancy tests screen for early pregnancy, especially before other tests like ultrasounds.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

LMP or Pregnancy Test

Frequently asked questions

Why might my provider ask for an LMP?
To assess menstrual cycle patterns, diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or plan family planning or fertility treatments.
What if my pregnancy test is negative but I still suspect I’m pregnant?
A negative result doesn’t always mean pregnancy isn’t present—especially if tested too early. Retest after a few days or consult your provider for guidance.
Can I take a pregnancy test at home instead of going to the lab?
Yes! Many at-home pregnancy tests use urine samples and are just as accurate when done correctly, but lab tests confirm results for medical records or further evaluation.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy