Pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in a woman’s blood or urine. This hormone is made during pregnancy.
What Type of Pregnancy Test Do I Need?
There are pregnancy blood tests and pregnancy urine tests. If you just missed your period and are wondering if you are pregnant, a urine test will most likely be a good option for you.
Urine Pregnancy Tests
You may have already bought a pregnancy test to take at home, or you may be considering having one at Options Medical Clinic. A urine pregnancy test is simple and painless, but you’ll want to understand a few things about how it works. Ask yourself these questions:
Am I Taking The Test At the Right Time?
The best time to take the test is after you miss your first period. If you take a home pregnancy test too soon, the amount of hCG hormone in your body may not be high enough for the test to show you are pregnant. This hormone level doubles almost every two days at the start of a pregnancy, and usually home tests can’t detect it until after your regular menstrual cycle is late.
If you’re not sure when to take your test, contact us, and our medical staff can advise you on the best time to schedule your appointment.
Is My Home Test Reliable?
Make sure your home test is unexpired. There are many brands of pregnancy tests, and there’s a slim chance you could have a defective product or one that is susceptible to false-negative results.
At Options Medical Clinic, our lab-grade tests are quality-controlled, and our medical staff may recommend a free ultrasound to confirm if you are pregnant.
Have I Read and Understood All the Instructions Before I Begin?
Every home test is a little different. If you’re taking a test at home, read and understand the specific instructions to be sure you’re waiting the appropriate amount of time for the result and that you’re not missing any steps.
In general, you will want to take the test when your urine is undiluted, so first thing in the morning works well.
Could Any Other Factors Influence My Result?
Certain medications can cause a false-negative result. It’s also possible that you could have an early miscarriage soon after receiving a positive result.
During your pregnancy test appointment at Options Medical Clinic, you can talk with our medical staff about any concerns you have about the accuracy. The nurse may recommend an ultrasound to determine if you have a viable pregnancy. The ultrasound is provided at no cost to you.
Can I Get A Pregnancy Test For Free?
Yes! You can take a free pregnancy test at Options Medical Clinic in Woodstock or our various mobile locations in Atlanta. There is no insurance necessary, and no cost to you. Our caring medical team is here to help.
Even if you’ve already taken a test at home, consider following up to confirm your result. Call or text us at (770) 924-0864, or send us a message to schedule an appointment today.