What is the pregnancy test?
Women who have had unprotected sex prior to missing a period can take a pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy. There mainly two types of pregnancy tests; the home pregnancy test strips use urine samples to determine pregnancy while the other test uses a blood sample. Both the tests are designed to detect the hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), produced by the placenta immediately after the embryo implants into the uterine lining.
What are the types of pregnancy tests?
1. Urine Test
Urine tests can be performed at home or in a clinic. The urine pregnancy test kit typically comes with a testing stick that has to be dipped in a urine sample that is either collected in a cup or the stick is placed into the urine stream to catch it midstream. The test result will be apparent soon after in the form of a change in colour or the appearance of a line or symbol on the stick. Newer digital tests show the results on display.
It is recommended to take the urine test on the day of the first missed period or afterwards since this period is usually after 2 weeks of conception. The home pregnancy test results from the urine kits are about 97% accurate. Their error margin can increase if the test is done incorrectly or done too early. If the test result is negative but symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, breast tenderness, missed period, and fatigue persists, a second urine test can be done a week later or contact a doctor for a blood test.
2. Blood Test
Blood tests are a more accurate way to determine pregnancy and can only be done at a clinic. There are two types of blood tests for pregnancy:
● A quantitative blood test. (gives an exact amount of hCG in the blood)
● A qualitative blood test (Indicate a positive or negative for hCG in the blood)
Blood tests can detect hCG much earlier (7 – 12 days) after a possible conception and hence is a more reliable tool for women trying for pregnancy. Since blood tests can measure the exact levels of hCG in the blood, it can also be used for tracking some pregnancy-related issues by health care providers.
Doctor visit
Women who have been trying to conceive can schedule a doctor visit soon after a urine pregnancy test positive to confirm the pregnancy through a blood test. It is recommended to have the first appointment before 10 weeks for a general assessment. A doctor visit is also essential to assess the implantation of the embryo and detect problems such as ectopic pregnancy.
Conclusion
Both urine and blood tests for pregnancy detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). A home pregnancy test can be done soon after the missed period to confirm pregnancy. Blood tests being more accurate can be done to confirm pregnancy if the results from the urine tests seem inaccurate.