What Is the Difference Between a Blood and Urine Pregnancy Test?
If your period is late or you are experiencing other common early pregnancy symptoms, you’re probably eager to confirm your suspicions with a pregnancy test.
Different options are available at the local drugstore and the doctor’s office, so read this article to understand the difference between blood and urine tests and which works best for you at this stage.
Blood vs. Urine Pregnancy Tests
Urine Tests
The most popular pregnancy tests are those that test your urine (and are found at your local pharmacy or drugstore). A hormone called hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, rises during pregnancy. The pregnancy test is designed with a strip that becomes reactive if found in your urine.
You’ll need to wait at least a week after the missed period for there to be detectable levels of hCG in the urine.
They provide immediate results and, when used correctly, offer a 99% accuracy rate.
Blood Tests
Blood pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy at an earlier stage compared to urine tests. These tests are typically performed at a doctor’s office and require laboratory analysis. These blood tests are a series of appointments that watch hCG levels as they increase or decrease.
When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
If you take it too early, it’s possible to get a false negative on your urine or blood pregnancy test because there are not yet detectable levels of hCG. At Crystal Women’s Clinic, we can help you estimate the best time to take a test and provide a free, lab-quality urine pregnancy test on-site. This is your first step when confirming a pregnancy.
Confirming Your Pregnancy
Even if you’ve already taken a positive pregnancy test, the best way to guarantee the results is with a free ultrasound at our clinic. Up to 26% of documented pregnancies end in miscarriage, so your pregnancy may not be progressing.
It’s important to schedule an ultrasound to determine the pregnancy’s viability and confirm how far along you are. We offer free pregnancy services and options consultations, so you can get more information and learn about local resources in a safe, supportive environment.
Contact us today to book an appointment!
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.
