If you suspect you are pregnant, the first step is to confirm this with a pregnancy test. If you’ve never used a pregnancy test before or are concerned about accuracy, you’re likely curious about the difference between a blood and urine test.
The first step when facing an unplanned pregnancy is to take a deep breath. You don’t have to have a plan or solution immediately. The next step is to confirm your suspicions with a pregnancy test.Â
Read this article to understand the difference between blood and urine tests.
Blood vs. Urine Pregnancy Tests
Urine Tests
Urine tests are the most common type of pregnancy test. They are reliable, but you’ll need to take them at the right time for accuracy.Â
They contain a reactive strip that detects hCG, a pregnancy hormone. You should wait at least a week after your missed period for there to be detectable levels of hCG in the urine. When used correctly, some tests boast up to 99% accuracy.Â
Blood Tests
Blood pregnancy tests are even more reliable than urine tests and detect pregnancy earlier than the more common test type. They require a visit to the doctor’s office to withdraw blood and do not show immediate results.
When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
If you take the test too early, you can receive a false negative because there hasn’t been enough time for your body to produce detectable levels of hCG. At Pregnancy Options Miami, we offer no-cost pregnancy tests and can help you calculate the best time to take a pregnancy test based on your last missed period.
Confirming Your Pregnancy
Up to 26% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. You can still get a positive test several days after taking an at-home test because your body still has detectable hormone levels. 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 and ultrasound. We offer a safe space to learn about local resources, ask questions, and empower you to make the best decision for you.