Routine pregnancy testing before treatment

Some procedures carry a risk to unborn babies. These procedures include some (but not all) x-rays, scans and operations. The NHS Commissioning Board Special Health Authority and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have said we have to check all girls aged 12 or older who are having any of these procedures to see if they are pregnant. This information sheet from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) describes what will happen when we talk to all females aged 12 years or older before a procedure.

We talk to all girls aged 12 years or older about their periods and any possibility that they could be pregnant. We have to test girls even if they tell us they are not sexually active or have not yet had their first period. It is possible for a girl to get pregnant before it is evident that she has started her periods.

On the day that your daughter comes in for a procedure, if she is 12 years old or over, we will collect a urine sample for testing. This has to be a fresh sample so please do not bother to bring one in from home.

We will consider whether your daughter is able to understand enough to agree to a pregnancy test for herself. If she is not able to agree then someone with Parental Responsibility may be asked to agree to the test on her behalf.

• We will tell your daughter the result

• Please do not ask staff for the result, they will not be able to tell you.

Different rules apply depending on her age, level of maturity and any mental impairment she may have.

• If she is under 16 and the test shows she is pregnant
• The surgical, radiology or medical team will decide if the procedure should continue or be delayed.
• The Social Work Service at GOSH will be informed of the result.
• If she is 16 or over and the test shows she is pregnant
  • The surgical, radiology or medical team will decide if the procedure should continue or be delayed.
  • If she lacks mental capacity to consent for testing, the Social Work Service at GOSH will be informed of the result.

Yes, but the procedure may be delayed or cancelled. The surgeon, medical doctor or radiographer will decide if the procedure can continue.

The GOSH Social Work Service will have to be informed of the refusal if your daughter is less than 16 years old, or is over 16 years old and lacks mental capacity to consent for testing.

You should first discuss any concerns with your surgical, medical or the radiology team. You could also call into the PALS office or talk to our Adolescent Specialist Nurse.