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

Did you miss your period and think you’re pregnant? A missed period is one of many common symptoms that could point to pregnancy. To confirm you are indeed pregnant, your first step is to take a pregnancy test. While at-home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate, user error can always lead to a false result, so it’s smart to confirm your pregnancy with a lab-quality grade pregnancy test with a medical professional. There is a major difference between a blood and urine pregnancy test, and we want to explain the two so you can move forward with confidence.

How Soon Should I Take A Pregnancy Test?

For a pregnancy test to work and for you to receive accurate results, your body needs time to develop detectable levels of hCG, the “pregnancy hormone.” The best time to take a pregnancy test is one week after your missed period. If you are still unsure that you are pregnant, here are some common pregnancy symptoms:

1. A missed period

2. Swollen, tender breasts

3. Nausea with or without vomiting

4. Increased urination

5. Fatigue

6. Moodiness 

7. Bloating 

Urine Pregnancy Test

The most common type of pregnancy test is a urine test. This test is performed at home or in a clinic. These tests are very simple and easy to use, normally involving urinating on a stick or into a container. They are also known as digital pregnancy tests that could say “pregnant” or “not pregnant.” Whether you use this urine test at home or go into a clinic, urine tests are a very simple process, with a short waiting time to see results.

Blood Pregnancy Test

A blood pregnancy test is less common for women to get when confirming pregnancy. There are two types: a quantitative blood test and a qualitative hCG blood test. A urine pregnancy test picks up a concentration of 50 units of hCG, a blood pregnancy test can pick up as little as 5 units of hCG (explains Daniel Roshan, M.D., ob-gyn at Rosh Maternal-Fetal Medicine in New York City). While this pregnancy test may be taken sooner, it can often involve a long wait to see the results and must be done in a doctor’s office only.

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Our team at Mosaic Health offers free and confidential pregnancy testing and services. If you are confused about what step to take next in your pregnancy journey, we can help.

Receive free pregnancy services and be informed about all your pregnancy options so you can get clarity. Our staff always provides compassionate and personalized care.

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