What Is the Difference Between a Blood and Urine Pregnancy Test?
Are you experiencing a missed period, nausea, frequent urination, or moodiness? These are common symptoms that may point to pregnancy. Maybe you’re wondering what kind of pregnancy test to take. The main difference between a blood and urine pregnancy test is how they are done and where. Keep reading to learn more.
Different Types of Pregnancy Tests
There are two main types of pregnancy tests: urine pregnancy tests and blood pregnancy tests.
A urine test is taken at home and followed up with a medical professional while a medical center performs blood pregnancy tests.
Urine Pregnancy Tests
You may have already taken an at-home urine pregnancy test. This is the most common type, which measures hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should take an at-home test at least one week after your missed period for the most accurate results.
At-home urine pregnancy tests are 99% effective and are very easy to use. When taking a urine test, you will place a couple of drops on a strip or place the strip in the urine stream. Then you will wait a couple of minutes, up to 10 minutes, for the results depending on the type of test.
Blood Pregnancy Tests
Though blood pregnancy tests are rare, they are done on special occasions for women facing infertility or when a medical professional suspects any possible health or pregnancy issues. A medical professional may also use a blood test to compare hCG levels during pregnancy.
Blood tests are more sensitive than urine tests due to their ability to detect smaller amounts of hCG. They can show you a more accurate answer earlier on in pregnancy.
A blood test will require a blood sample to be sent to a lab for analysis. As a result, you may not have the results for more than a day.
If Your Pregnancy Test is Positive
If your at-home pregnancy test was positive and you’re wondering what’s next, see us today at First Care.
Once you receive a positive pregnancy test at our center, an ultrasound is necessary to understand your options moving forward. An ultrasound will give you more pregnancy details and alert you to any possible complications.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us. Same-day appointments are available. We are here for you!
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How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Still wondering if you really are pregnant? Maybe you’re second-guessing how you took a pregnancy test or wondering if you need to take another one.
In this blog, we want to share all about how pregnancy tests work and why receiving a lab-quality pregnancy test at your local pregnancy center is a good idea for pregnancy confirmation.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Pregnancy tests are very simple to take. They indicate if you’re pregnant by determining the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your body. HCG is only present when you’re pregnant, so it’s called the pregnancy hormone.
Some pregnancy tests might go about testing through urine, while others look for the pregnancy hormone in your blood. More commonly, a simple urine pregnancy test is done.
The best way to get accurate pregnancy test results is by waiting at least one day after your missed period. Waiting a bit after your missed period allows your body to produce a detectable amount of hCG.
Confirm Your Pregnancy Test Result
If you received a positive home pregnancy test result – that is a great first step. Your next best step is to receive a lab-quality pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy.
Though home pregnancy tests are very accurate, there is always a chance for inaccurate results. You could have possibly taken the test at the wrong time or accidentally followed the directions incorrectly. Get clarity today with a follow-up lab-quality pregnancy test to be sure.
Free Pregnancy Tests & Ultrasound
First Care provides free and confidential, lab-quality urine-based pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy.
If you receive a positive pregnancy test result at our center, we can provide you with an ultrasound. An ultrasound will verify if you have a viable pregnancy, how far along you are, and the location of your pregnancy.
Our medical team is here for you and can walk you through all your pregnancy options. Schedule a free appointment today. Same-day appointments are available.
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