As part of routine labs during alcohol detox, which test is performed for all women?

• A. Urinary pregnancy test
• B. HIV screening
• C. Tuberculosis skin test
• D. Vitamin B12 level

Answer: (A)

The main concept is ensuring safety for both mother and potential fetus during alcohol withdrawal. Before starting detox meds, confirming whether a woman is pregnant is essential because pregnancy changes how withdrawal is managed. A urine pregnancy test is used because it is quick, noninvasive, and reliably identifies pregnancy status, allowing the clinician to tailor treatment to protect the fetus. If pregnancy is detected, the treatment plan can be adjusted to avoid or modify medications that may pose risks in pregnancy and to coordinate prenatal care. The other tests listed are not universally required for all women in the detox setting; they may be done for other clinical reasons but not as a standard, routine step in this context.