Blood Pregnancy Test or Urine Pregnancy Test?

Some women think a blood pregnancy test (BPT) might be more accurate than a urine test to determine pregnancy. However, the facts show that this is not the case.

How pregnancy tests work

Both a blood pregnancy test and a urine pregnancy test measure the presence and amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone.  This hormone is produced by cells that form the placenta, which nourishes the egg after it has been fertilized and becomes attached to the uterine wall (urine does not measure amount, only presence).

Levels can first be detected by these tests at about the same number of days following the conception – 7 to 10 days.

There are two common types of hCG tests:

  • A qualitative hCG test detects whether any hCG is found in the blood. A quantitative (or beta) hCG test measures the specific amount of hCG in the blood.
  • Both tests help indicate the early stages of pregnancy.

Why you wouldn’t need a BPT

  • If you are healthy and have no previous pregnancy issues, you need not worry about taking a blood pregnancy test instead of a urine test.  
  • You would avoid the invasive, costly and sometimes uncomfortable procedure of a blood draw. A urine test is simple and painless, and costs nothing to collect. The results of a blood and urine pregnancy test are virtually identical.

When you might need a BPT

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a blood pregnancy test:

  • If hCG levels are dropping, which could indicate a potential miscarriage.
  • To confirm that you are no longer pregnant following a medical abortion.
  • If you have had two negative pregnancy tests but are still missing your periods and experiencing pregnancy symptoms.
  • To diagnose an ectopic or tubal pregnancy.
  • Get peace of mind through a free, accurate pregnancy test.
  • Urine pregnancy tests are trusted by medical professionals, and are more than 99 percent accurate.

Gateway provides free, lab-certified urine pregnancy tests administered by skilled professionals. Call Gateway, your local Raleigh pregnancy center, at 919.833.0096. We have nurses on hand to answer all of your questions. Contact us today.