Both blood and urine pregnancy tests look for the same thing: a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Your body starts releasing hCG after a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus, and the amount climbs a little more with each day that passes.
Implantation usually happens six to ten days after conception, but hCG may not reach detectable levels in urine until around the first day of a missed period.
A blood test can pick up smaller amounts of hCG, so it can sometimes confirm a pregnancy earlier. When they are taken correctly, both kinds of tests are highly accurate.
Knowing how each one works can help you understand what to expect and choose your next step with confidence.
Contact My Choices Pregnancy Resource Center for support and free pregnancy test help.
Urine Pregnancy Test
A urine test is the most familiar option, as they are available over the counter at your local pharmacy for you to use in the comfort of your own home.
These at-home pregnancy tests are cheaper than a blood test and can give results within minutes. They are also considered highly accurate, although it is possible to get an improper reading.
Keep in mind that a urine pregnancy test is accurate on the day of your missed period or after; it is not a reliable option if you are trying to test earlier than your missed period.
Blood Pregnancy Test
A blood test is less common as it can only be done at a medical facility. Blood tests also cost more, and it can take several hours to a few days before the results are known.
While blood tests are not as quick or convenient as urine tests, they are used for specific situations.
For example, a blood test can detect a pregnancy before your missed period and can provide extra details to your doctor if there is a concern for pregnancy complications.
Tips for an At-Home Urine Test
At-home urine tests are convenient and usually reliable, but a false result is still possible, often from testing too early or not following the directions.
The following tips can help ensure proper testing:
- Use your first-morning urine, when hCG is most concentrated
- Avoid drinking a lot of fluid beforehand, since it can dilute hCG
- Read the instructions carefully, because tests do not all work the same way
- Wait until at least the first day of your missed period for the most dependable result
If your test is positive or negative while your symptoms continue, confirming the results with an ultrasound scan is the best next step.
Find Answers You Can Trust
At My Choices Pregnancy Resource Center, we provide free, confidential pregnancy testing using professional-grade tests and administered by registered nurses so that you can start with an accurate answer at no cost to you.
Following a positive result, we also offer limited ultrasounds to confirm how far along you are and whether the pregnancy is developing normally, information that is vital for your health and for understanding all of your options.
You have real choices, and you deserve the best information and support to make the best decision.
Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.
