If your period is delayed after recent intercourse or you have pregnancy symptoms, an at-home test can quickly confirm whether you may be expecting.
Affordable urine tests from the drugstore detect pregnancy hormones with quick results, while blood tests are only available through your medical provider.
Read this article to understand the difference between blood and urine tests and how they are available.
Blood vs. Urine Pregnancy Tests
Urine Tests
Urine pregnancy tests are the most commonly used type of pregnancy test. They are the kind of at-home pregnancy tests that many women like to use before they schedule a visit with a doctor.
Urine tests have a reactive paper strip that can detect the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). When used correctly, some tests boast up to 99% accuracy.
Blood Tests
While an at-home urine test provides immediate results, a blood test from your doctor can detect pregnancy earlier.
A blood sample is drawn at your appointment then a lab analyzes for precise hormone level readings beyond what an over-the-counter test detects.
Ultrasound is still advised after a blood or urine pregnancy test to determine the viability, location, and date of the pregnancy.
When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
Taking a pregnancy test too early can yield inaccurate results; trust reliable, lab-grade testing for definitive peace of mind. For the most accurate results, you will want to wait at least a week after the missed period to ensure detectable levels of hCG in the urine.
At Elevier Women’s Center, we offer convenient, no-cost pregnancy testing with immediate results and consultation on optimal timing based on your last period.
Confirming Your Pregnancy
Up to 26% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. However, you can still test positive for pregnancy using a pregnancy test for weeks after miscarriage because your body still has detectable levels of hCG. It’s important to schedule an ultrasound to determine the pregnancy’s viability and confirm how far along you are.
Contact us today to schedule a free pregnancy test. We offer information that will empower you to make a confident decision.