According to prescriptive guidelines, when is a pregnancy test required for Depo Provera?

The requirement for a pregnancy test before administering Depo Provera is generally based on the interval since the last injection. If more than two weeks have passed since the recommended three-month interval for the injection, a pregnancy test is warranted. This ensures that the patient is not pregnant before receiving the next dose, as the risk of fetal harm can increase if Depo Provera is administered during an existing pregnancy.

This guideline emphasizes the importance of proper timing for injections to maintain contraceptive efficacy. When the injection schedule is adhered to within the three-month timeframe, the need for a pregnancy test is not necessary. However, if the patient is beyond the two-week window after the three-month period, the provider needs to confirm that the patient is not pregnant before proceeding with additional administration of the hormone to avoid potential health risks.