Think you might be pregnant? Taking a pregnancy test is your first step in finding out.
There are two different types of pregnancy tests: blood and urine. While urine pregnancy tests are more common and widely available, there are certain situations where you might need a blood pregnancy test.
Read on to learn the difference between blood and urine pregnancy tests. Or, if you’re looking for a safe space to talk and receive free urine pregnancy testing, contact Relevant Options today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.
How Does Pregnancy Testing Work?
When pregnant, a special hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) becomes present in your body.
Pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG in your blood or urine.
Urine Pregnancy Test
Urine pregnancy tests are the most common and convenient method for confirming pregnancy. You can buy these tests over-the-counter at pharmacies and use them at home. They work by detecting hCG in your urine.
When you take the test, you either hold the test stick in your urine stream or dip it into a cup of collected urine. Within minutes, the test will display a result, typically in lines, plus/minus symbols, or digital readings like “pregnant” or “not pregnant.”
- Advantages: Urine tests are affordable, easy to use, and provide quick results. Many pregnancy tests claim to detect a pregnancy accurately within the first day of a missed period.
- Limitations: Urine tests may not detect lower levels of hCG in very early pregnancy, and incorrect usage can sometimes lead to inaccurate results.
Blood Pregnancy Test
Blood pregnancy tests are administered at a healthcare provider’s office and involve drawing a blood sample to measure the hCG level. There are two types of blood tests: Qualitative hCG test confirms the presence or absence of hCG in your blood, similar to a urine test. Meanwhile, a quantitative hCG test (beta hCG) measures the exact amount of hCG in your blood, which can provide more detailed information about the pregnancy, including its progression and whether there are any concerns.
- Advantages: Blood tests can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests, and they can be particularly helpful for monitoring the health and progression of the pregnancy.
- Limitations: Blood tests are more expensive, require a visit to a healthcare provider, and may take longer to get results.
We’re Here for You
Wondering if you might be pregnant can be a confusing, stressful time, but the first step for getting answers is to take a pregnancy test.
At Relevant Options, we’re here for you. We offer free urine pregnancy testing and clearly explain the results. Plus, we give you the safe space to ask questions and learn more about your options.
Get answers today. Contact us for your free, confidential pregnancy testing appointment.