What is the Difference Between a Blood and Urine Pregnancy Test?

If you think you might be pregnant, it’s important to make sure you use a reliable pregnancy test instead of relying on common symptoms such as swollen breasts, missed periods, etc. 

If you’re trying to decide on the best and most accurate type of pregnancy test, read this article to help you understand your options as well as understand the importance of getting health screened for any possible complications.

How Do Pregnancy Tests Work? 

After the fertilized egg has been implanted in the uterus, a small amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone found only in pregnant women, begins to appear in your blood and urine. It is this hormone that pregnancy tests are designed to detect.

Blood vs. Urine Pregnancy Tests

Urine Tests

Urine pregnancy tests are the most commonly used type of pregnancy test. Some urine tests can detect hCG as early as a week after a missed period. When the pregnancy is very early, many women like to use an at-home urine pregnancy test before scheduling one with their doctor. When used correctly, some tests boast up to 99% accuracy. 

Blood Tests

While you cannot order an at-home blood test for pregnancy, these can be used at the doctor’s office. Blood pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy earlier than urine (just 6-8 days after ovulation).

They can also detect whether or not it is an ectopic pregnancy. If you use a urine pregnancy test, an ultrasound would be required to eliminate this health complication. 

Confirming Your Pregnancy

It’s important to schedule a health screening to determine how far along you are, eliminate ectopic pregnancies, and confirm that your pregnancy is still viable. 

Contact us today to schedule your no-cost ultrasound or pregnancy test! Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff is here to offer support as you consider all your options.