When your period is late and pregnancy is a possibility, you probably want an answer as soon as you can get one. You may also wonder whether the type of pregnancy test you take makes a difference.
Blood and urine tests both look for the same pregnancy hormone, but they’re used somewhat differently. For many women, a urine test is all that’s needed to get an initial result.
Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque provides no-cost pregnancy testing, with walk-ins welcome and same-day appointments available. Schedule an appointment today or visit one of our centers to take your first step toward getting an answer.
What Do Pregnancy Tests Measure?
Both blood and urine pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy.
The main difference is how the tests detect that hormone.
A urine pregnancy test checks whether hCG is present at a detectable level in your urine. This is the type of test most people are familiar with because home pregnancy tests use urine as well.
A blood test requires a blood sample and measures hCG. Depending on the type of test ordered, it can provide a healthcare professional with more specific information about hCG levels.
Why Would Someone Need a Blood Pregnancy Test?
Blood tests aren’t routine for everyone who thinks they might be pregnant.
A healthcare provider may order one when there is a medical reason to measure or monitor hCG levels more closely, such as when evaluating certain pregnancy concerns like an increased risk of miscarriage.
Blood tests also require laboratory processing, whereas urine tests can generally provide an answer much more quickly.
When Should I Take a Urine Pregnancy Test?
Timing matters with urine testing.
Your body needs time to produce enough hCG for the test to detect it. Testing too soon can result in a negative test even if you are pregnant.
For a more accurate result, the Cleveland Clinic recommends waiting until after you’ve missed your period. If you test negative but your period still doesn’t arrive, you may need to test again after a few days.
Speaking to your healthcare provider is also a good idea; your period may be delayed for reasons other than pregnancy, like stress, weight changes, or various health conditions.
What Comes After a Positive Test?
Neither a urine nor a blood pregnancy test can determine important details such as the location of the pregnancy or whether the pregnancy is progressing.
That’s where an ultrasound becomes useful.
An ultrasound can provide additional information about the pregnancy, including how far along you may be. Confirming the location is particularly important because a pregnancy outside the uterus, known as an ectopic pregnancy, requires prompt medical treatment.
We can offer a limited ultrasound if you meet the criteria and have a positive pregnancy test with us.
Get Your Questions Answered
You don’t need to decide on your own which type of test you need. Start with pregnancy testing and talk with the team about what may be appropriate based on your circumstances.
With multiple Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque locations, including a convenient mobile unit, you have several care options that fit your schedule.
Make a no-cost appointment today, ask about same-day availability, or walk in during regular hours. We’re here to help you learn more.