Pregnancy Testing Made Simple: Easy Steps and Key Facts
You think you might be pregnant, and you need a test. Good news: pregnancy tests are easier to purchase and run than ever before!
What Are The Two Types Of Pregnancy Tests?
Blood Tests
Blood tests are the most reliable tests. They are almost 100% accurate.
The downside is that blood tests must be done by medical professionals. They are also more expensive than urine pregnancy tests and take longer to receive results.
Urine Pregnancy Tests
Urine pregnancy tests can be purchased in most grocery and drug stores. They greatly range in price.
Not all pregnancy tests are equal. Some are more sensitive and accurate than others.
After purchasing a home pregnancy test, you can take the following steps.
- Use the directions written on the box exactly.
- Usually, you can insert the pregnancy test into a urine stream. Some tests ask you to dip the test strip into a cup of urine for a few seconds.
- Urine tests are more accurate when collected early in the day.
- Fluid consumption can dilute the sample, making it less effective. Your urine is most concentrated first thing in the morning.
- Check the test when the directions indicate.
- If it says to check it after five minutes, set a five-minute timer. The results may be inaccurate if you read the test too early or too late.
How Does A Urine Pregnancy Test Work?
As soon as a pregnancy begins, the woman’s body begins to produce a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). If a urine pregnancy test detects this hormone, it will provide a positive result.
The best time to take a pregnancy test is right after you miss your period. That gives the body time to produce a detectable amount of hCG.
Can Pregnancy Tests Be Wrong?
If done correctly, urine pregnancy tests are generally 99% accurate. If done too early, incorrectly, or performed using diluted urine, they could give a false negative reading.
False positive tests are rare. They can happen if you’ve experienced an early pregnancy loss or if you’re currently taking certain fertility drugs.
How Can Crystal Women’s Clinic Help?
Our experienced medical team will not only give you a high-quality pregnancy test at no cost, but we will follow it up with an ultrasound. The combination will ensure that you get the answers you need.
To set up an appointment, contact us today!
Pregnancy Testing
A pregnancy test determines whether you are pregnant by detecting the presence of hCG, the hormone associated with pregnancy. You will give a urine sample during your appointment, and then one of our nurses will administer the test. Testing only takes a few minutes, and you will have your result during your appointment.
Ultrasounds
Determine what choices you have with an ultrasound. An ultrasound may alert you to any complications. It is a necessary step of the pregnancy confirmation process, as it’s the only way to confirm three aspects of your pregnancy. Get a free ultrasound with us today.
Pregnancy Testing
A pregnancy test determines whether you are pregnant by detecting the presence of hCG, the hormone associated with pregnancy. You will give a urine sample during your appointment, and then one of our nurses will administer the test. Testing only takes a few minutes, and you will have your result during your appointment.
Ultrasounds
Determine what choices you have with an ultrasound. An ultrasound may alert you to any complications. It is a necessary step of the pregnancy confirmation process, as it’s the only way to confirm three aspects of your pregnancy. Get a free ultrasound with us today.
