Both blood and urine pregnancy tests are highly accurate when administered correctly and at the right time. These tests look for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG for short.
A urine pregnancy test can usually be taken at home and is conveniently purchased over the counter. Unlike a urine test, a physician must order pregnancy blood tests that are drawn in a qualified medical facility.
When Should I Take A Pregnancy Test?
Waiting until you’ve missed your period will assist you in receiving the most accurate results. However, this doesn’t mean you cannot test earlier. The risk of testing too early is receiving a false negative because hCG levels have not built up enough to be detected by the test.
If you believe you received a false negative result, try testing again the day of your missed period or after. Waiting until this time will help ensure you receive a result you can rely on.
Is There Any Special Preparation?
No preparation is needed to take a urine or blood pregnancy test. For this test, your body does the work in producing the hCG hormone, which is what’s observed.
Do not drink copious amounts of fluid for urine tests, as this can dilute hCG levels and alter the results.
Urine Versus Blood Test?
Urine tests are usually quite accurate when used correctly. They’re inexpensive and easily obtainable. On the other hand, blood tests tend to be expensive, require medical assistance, and must be ordered by a physician.
The Cleveland Clinic states, “Blood tests are rarely done because they’re expensive and tend to have the same result as a urine test.” Additionally, since these tests must be reviewed in a lab for results, the results do not have a fast turnaround time like urine tests.
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