For most of the women, it becomes a case of worry when they miss their periods or periods are late. Of course, pregnancy is not the only thing that can cause a late or skipped period; there could also be some other reason. But what to do in such scenarios? Or how to confirm whether you are pregnant or not? Can a normal blood test detect your pregnancy? Not to worry; this article discusses how pregnancy can also be detected by a simple blood test.
When a woman is pregnant, a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is secreted in her body. This hormone rapidly increases in women’s bodies during pregnancy. The blood pregnancy test is mostly a quantitative blood test; it is used to measure how much HCG is in your blood. A simple blood sample is taken from one of your veins to test your blood for HCG; this procedure is called venipuncture. In simple words, the amount of this hormone in your blood confirms whether you are pregnant or not.When To Take Blood Pregnancy Test
Usually, women can find out their pregnancies by a urine-based home pregnancy test. The home pregnancy test measures HCG in urine instead of blood. But the blood pregnancy test can be used for women at a higher risk for miscarriage or tubal pregnancy. When the fertilized egg remains in the fallopian tubes instead of being in the uterus – the actual place, it is called tubal pregnancy.
Sometimes, a doctor cannot detect the pregnancy instantly on an ultrasound despite the fact that your home pregnancy test showed positive results. In such cases, a doctor may take your blood sample to conduct a blood pregnancy test. The doctor can confirm whether it is a healthy pregnancy or miscarriage or tubal pregnancy aftre checking the change in HCG levels.Blood Pregnancy Test At Home
But how to do a blood test for pregnancy at home? Is it even possible? These questions must have come across your mind after reading above that the doctor conducts the blood pregnancy test.
Well, it is true that a doctor is needed to perform a proper HCG blood test; they can examine the blood more accurately than a layman. And we also advise you to test your blood for pregnancy at a doctor’s office only. It is good to be careful while making such decisions to avoid harmful consequences. In conclusion, yes, a normal blood test can detect pregnancy and can also be done at home. However, it is highly recommended that you get your blood pregnancy test done from a doctor only. If you are concerned about your pregnancy test or still have doubts regarding blood tests for pregnancy; please visit us at Grace Laboratory.Frequently Asked Questions-
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1. Can a Regular Blood Test Detect Pregnancy?
There are two types of pregnancy blood tests namely urine tests and human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG) tests; however, a regular/ normal blood test can also detect if you are pregnant. Consult the specialized healthcare provider to check for pregnancy.
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2. How Soon Can a Blood Test Detect Pregnancy?
It takes 11 to 14 days post( after) ovulation to detect the pregnancy. Further, it takes 3- 7 days to get the pregnancy results. Your doctor performs the blood pregnancy test to check the overall health of your pregnancy.
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3. How Early Can a Blood Test Detect Pregnancy Before Missed Period?
A blood pregnancy test can detect pregnancy within 7- 10 days after ovulation( the phase in the menstrual cycle when the egg leaves the ovary to get fertilized by sperm) to get a more accurate answer. Therefore, it is important to consult the doctor to detect the presence of hCG hormone before a missed period.
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4. Can Urine Test Detect Pregnancy?
The urine test is an effective way to detect the presence of hCG hormone( human chorionic gonadotropin) in the urine produced by the placenta. Please remember it is more important to consult the doctor to ensure accurate pregnancy results rather than undergoing a home pregnancy test( HPT).
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5. What is the Difference Between a Normal Blood Test and a Pregnancy Blood Test?
The beta-human chorionic test( pregnancy blood test) measures the exact hCG levels until 7- 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, the normal blood test also called a complete( common) blood count test measures the various components of the blood namely red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, and hematocrit.
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6. When is the Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Blood Test?
The ideal time to take a pregnancy blood test is as early as 11- 14 days after conception( ovulation). The doctor or a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist can estimate how far the pregnancy has progressed along with the accurate amount of hCG hormone in the blood.
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7. How Accurate is a Blood Test in Detecting Pregnancy?
Blood Tests are 99- 100% accurate in detecting the pregnancy when your hCG hormone starts to build about 7- 10 days after conception. The hCG hormone level begins to rise when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. The blood drawn from the vein in the pathology center identifies the hCG level in the bloodstream.
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8. How does a Quantitative Blood Test Differ from a Qualitative Blood Test?
There are two types of pregnancy tests namely Qualitative and Quantitative tests. People get confused between the two tests but they differ from each other. The Quantitative pregnancy blood test calculates how much hCG level( amount) is present in the blood. However, the Qualitative Pregnancy Blood test confirms the pregnancy by answering the question” Are you Pregnant? Yes or No.
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9. Are there any Factors that can Affect the Accuracy of a Pregnancy Blood Test?
Several factors affect the accuracy of a Pregnancy Blood Test such as:
- The gestational period can influence the results,
- Dehydration in the body can affect the results,
- Certain medications can affect the hormone and pregnancy test results,
- Testing too early can modify the accuracy of the test results.
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10. What should I do if my Blood Test Result is Positive?
You should stay calm and patient if you get a positive blood test report. Make sure you review the test results properly and consult your healthcare provider to seek appropriate care and treatment for managing your health conditions.
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11. Can a Blood Test Detect an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent further damage. This is a condition where the fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube, ovary, or abdominal cavity. Yes, blood tests can identify an ectopic pregnancy that goes unnoticed during an ultrasound scan and help to create an appropriate treatment plan.
