There are two types of pregnancy tests – one is done with your urine sample and the other is done with a sample of you blood. In both cases the tests are done to detect the presence of a hormone called human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG).

Urine tests

 
There are two different types of urine tests. You can either collect your urine into a cup or use a dropper/eyedropper to transfer a few drops on to the indicated area of the kit. Or you can place the kit into your urine stream and catch the urine on to the strip. In both cases carefully follow the instructions on your kit. This is important to get a proper reading. Also not what you kit says about the waiting period to get an indication on your kit. It might instruct you to look for a colour change, appearance of a line etc. Remember to do this test first thing in the morning for best results. That is when the concentration of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is higher in your urine.

When to take a urine test

 
The ideal time would be about a couple of days after your missed period. But if your periods are not regular or do not happen around the same dates, then you must wait a little longer before you take this test. If you do not want to wait that long and would like to know immediately, it is best that you visit your doctor.

Accuracy of urine tests

 
Urine tests done at home with kits brought at your medical store are usually accurate if you do it correctly. The best part is the privacy you enjoy and the absolute joy in knowing if you are pregnant along with your spouse and no one else around. But if you do not follow the instructions or if you do your test too early, then the result can be inaccurate.

Negative result may not mean no pregnancy

 
Sometimes even if you get a negative result, you might still be experiencing other early symptoms of pregnancy like nausea, fatigue, mood swings, tender breasts etc., which happen due to hormonal changes that happen in your body after conception. If this is the case, we recommend that you visit your doctor.

Blood tests

 
This can only be done at a clinic or hospital and will be under the recommendation of your doctor. The best part about a blood test is that you can get it done earlier than a urine test. But it is more expensive than a urine test and you will not get the result immediately. You will usually have to wait a day.

Blood tests are of two types. The quantitative blood pregnancy test measures the exact amount of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in your blood. The qualitative blood pregnancy test will confirm if the hormone is present and tell you whether or not you are pregnant.

A blood test also measures the presence of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that is produced by the placenta of a pregnant woman. If you are having a healthy pregnancy the hCG levels in your blood will show a normal pattern. It will increase during your first trimester and gradually decrease.The quantitative blood pregnancy test more accurate because it will show you the exact hCG level. This will help your doctor take better decisions.