The urine-based pregnancy tests done in a provider's office is similar to the one that's done at home and is based on the same principle, hCG levels, Helgeson said. She explained that a blood test for pregnancy, known as the beta hCG test, trumps a urine test because it is a more sensitive indicator of hCG.
Our members are trained well enough in Western medicine to be aware of the special issues which arise from treating diabetic patients. As to the effectiveness of treatment, acupuncture treatment, as you may know, is now recommended by NICE for low back pain itself. The evidence for the treatment of sciatica with acupuncture is not quite so good. We were recently asked this question, and we replied:
1 Place it on the lower back, the buttock on the side affected or tailbone for up to 20 minutes every 2-3 hours. This helps to decrease inflammation in the sciatic nerve and relieving pain albeit temporarily.  Use a heating pad or a hot pack four to five days when there is flare up. Alternate between the heat and the cold, and only use the heat for 20 minutes at a time. Use this technique with cautions as too much heat can cause the tissues to dry out. Also, do not put heat or ice directly on the spine.