In the realm of pregnancy tests there are two big players: blood tests and urine tests. If you’re wondering which one is right for you, we’re here to help! In this blog we’ll share some of the similarities and the differences between the two types of tests in order for you to determine which one is right for you.
Here at Options Medical Clinic Clinic, we offer urine testing. These tests are very much like the ones you could buy at a grocery store or convenience store, except that ours are administered by trained professionals and double checked for accuracy. Urine tests check for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This hormone is produced at increasing amounts during the first weeks of pregnancy, and about the time you miss your first period (usually 2 weeks after conception) there is enough hCG in your urine to show a positive result on a test.
The benefit to urine tests is they are non-invasive. No needles! They’re also readily available, offer immediate results, and can be done in the privacy of your home. For most women, they are highly accurate and easy to read.
The downside to urine tests is that if the test is expired, if your urine is diluted, or if you don’t read the result in the correct time frame, your results could be inaccurate. Home pregnancy tests, especially the “early response” or digital versions are also increasingly expensive. To help eliminate those risks, you can schedule a test at our clinic. Our tests are 99% accurate once you have missed your period. And like all our services, the test will be free!
Like urine tests, blood tests also check for hCG levels, but they can detect much lower levels meaning they are highly accurate. These tests are usually offered at a doctor’s office, require a blood draw, and can take hours or days to get results. If you have a history of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, your doctor may suggest a blood pregnancy test. Because hCG levels double every 48 to 72 hours, blood tests can be used to confirm that a pregnancy is progressing at a normal rate.
For most women, a urine test is very effective for confirming a pregnancy, and we would be happy to schedule an appointment for you today. If you have questions about whether you may need a blood test, our medical personnel would be happy to answer your questions while you’re here.