Early pregnancy test

There are two types of pregnancy tests; one uses a urine sample, the other a blood sample. Both pregnancy tests detect the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is produced by the placenta shortly after the embryo attaches to the uterine lining and accumulates rapidly in the body during the first days of pregnancy.

It is this rapid change in hormones that causes most of the symptoms of pregnancy.

Urinalysis

Urinalysis can be done in two different ways, at home or in a clinic. One way is to collect the urine in a cup and dip the stick into the urine, or draw the urine into a special container using a pipette. Another option is to place the wand in the urine stream and collect the urine in the middle of the stream.

Tests vary in how long you have to wait for a result. You will be looking for a color change, a line, or a symbol (eg plus or minus).

When can I take a urine test?

Most doctors recommend waiting until the first day of a missed period before doing a urine pregnancy test. This usually happens about two weeks after conception. However, some tests are more sensitive than others and can be done sooner.

How accurate are urine tests?

Urine tests or home pregnancy tests are about 97% accurate when done correctly. Home pregnancy tests are great because they can be done at home, they are usually inexpensive, private, fast, and easy to use.

However, if done incorrectly or taken too soon, the result may not be accurate. If you get a negative result but still have symptoms of pregnancy (no periods, nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue), wait a week and get another test or see your doctor for a blood test.

Blood tests

There are two types of blood tests. A quantitative blood test measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood, while a qualitative hCG blood test gives a simple yes or no answer to find out if you are pregnant or not.

Advantages of having a blood test:

Can detect a pregnancy earlier than a urine test at about 7-12 days from possible conception (but if a negative result is received, a test should be repeated if a period is missed.)
Can measure the concentration of hCG hormone in your blood (this is useful information for your healthcare provider in tracking certain problems in pregnancy)

Disadvantages of having a blood test done:

More expensive than a urine test (price depends on the cost of doctor’s visit and lab fees)
Takes longer to get the result
Must be done in a doctor’s office

If I get a positive home pregnancy test result, does that mean I'm pregnant?

A positive home pregnancy test indicates the presence of the hCG hormone in the body. When an egg is implanted in the lining of a woman's uterus, the hCG hormones begin to grow and multiply. This is a sign that you are pregnant.

If I get a negative home pregnancy test result, does that mean I'm not pregnant?

A negative result may mean that you are not pregnant, have taken the test too early, or have taken the test incorrectly. Pregnancy tests vary in their sensitivity (when they can detect the hCG hormone), and you may not have given your body enough time to produce enough of the hCG hormones that the test will detect.

Also, if you leave the test for too long (after the instructions on the box), the test will be invalid. It's best to follow the instructions and wait until your period has passed before taking the test. Most pregnancy tests come with two in the box and both are recommended.

When is the earliest that I can take a home pregnancy test?

It is recommended that you wait until you are on your period to have a home test. A missed period is often one of the first signs of pregnancy. If you can't wait that long to find out, and you know the day you were able to get pregnant, the earliest you can get tested is 14 days after you could have conceived.