How and When to Perform a Pregnancy Test (Pregnancy Test)?

Pregnancy test is a test to detect pregnancy that can be performed at home or in a laboratory environment by those who suspect pregnancy. A pregnancy test determines whether there is pregnancy by measuring the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone in the blood or urine. This hormone begins to be secreted when the fertilized egg settles on the uterine wall. It continues to increase in the body throughout pregnancy. While home urine tests are widely preferred because they are practical and give quick results; Blood tests performed in a laboratory environment provide more sensitive results.

How to Perform a Pregnancy Test (Pregnancy Test)?

Pregnancy tests performed on urine can generally be performed practically at home and give results in a short time. These tests are performed by touching a urine sample to sensitive sticks. After a certain period of time, the indicator of the bar shows the pregnancy status. Home urine tests provide highly reliable results, especially after a missed period. However, for those who want to get more accurate and faster results, blood tests in hospitals or laboratories are preferred.

By directly measuring the hCG level in the body, the blood test can detect pregnancy much earlier and give results even without a menstrual delay. Blood tests are performed under laboratory conditions. It allows the patient to get the results within a few hours. Here’s how to do a home pregnancy test:

• Home pregnancy tests may vary depending on the brand. Therefore, attention should be paid to the test instructions. Instructions are important to increase the accuracy of the test.
• Since hCG concentration is higher in morning urine, doing it in the morning may give more accurate results. The test is performed by bringing the test strip into direct contact with urine or by dipping it into urine collected in a small container.
• It is necessary to wait a few minutes for the indicator on the test strip to show the result. Waiting time may vary depending on the brand of the test.
• Generally, one line on the test strip indicates a negative result and two lines indicate a positive result. However, some tests may give results in different ways, so the result should be evaluated according to the instructions.

Pregnancy testing in the hospital is done as follows:

• The laboratory test uses a blood sample taken from the arm. This test is done in a hospital or laboratory setting
• The blood sample taken is examined under laboratory conditions and beta hCG levels are measured. Blood tests can detect even lower levels of the hCG hormone from the first days of pregnancy.
• Blood test results are usually available on the same day. This test can give reliable results even without a menstrual delay.
• Blood tests give much more sensitive results than urine tests. Especially in cases of early pregnancy suspicion, having a blood test without waiting for the menstrual delay provides accurate results.

When is a Pregnancy Test (Pregnancy Test) Done?

It is recommended to do it after the expected menstrual date is delayed. The hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone, which begins to be released in the body at the beginning of pregnancy, increases as fertilization occurs. However, it takes a few days for it to reach a significant level and be detectable in tests. The hCG hormone begins to be secreted when the fertilized egg settles in the uterus (implantation). It doubles every two to three days. Since home urine tests require the hCG hormone to reach a certain level, it is important to wait for the menstrual delay to get the most accurate results. Tests performed after this delay are more reliable as the hormone level has risen sufficiently and reduces the risk of false negative results.

In cases where pregnancy is suspected, laboratory blood tests may be preferred for early tests. Blood tests can detect the hCG hormone much earlier than urine tests. The blood test can provide information about the presence of pregnancy by detecting low levels of the hCG hormone even 7-10 days after fertilization. Blood tests can be done without having to wait for a missed period. It gives results with high accuracy even shortly after the beginning of pregnancy. These tests are an ideal method to determine pregnancy, especially if low-risk situations or early pregnancy symptoms are experienced.

There are two types of blood tests performed in the laboratory. The first of these, the qualitative hCG test, only detects whether there is pregnancy. Quantitative (beta hCG) test measures the level of hCG in the blood. It shows how much hCG levels rise as pregnancy progresses. Although the qualitative hCG test works similarly to urine tests, it may provide results earlier. Quantitative hCG test, on the other hand, provides advantages in terms of estimating the gestational age, evaluating risks such as ectopic pregnancy, and monitoring whether the pregnancy is progressing healthily by making precise measurements. Therefore, especially in cases of suspected early pregnancy, the quantitative hCG test provides reliable results without waiting for a menstrual delay. However, it should be taken into consideration that negative results may be obtained even in very early blood tests.

When is an Early Pregnancy Test Done?

An early pregnancy test can usually be done a few days before the expected start of the menstrual cycle. These tests are more sensitive than standard pregnancy tests. It can detect the hCG hormone early, which begins to form in the body 7-10 days after fertilization. However, for early pregnancy tests to give the most accurate results, it is ideal that approximately 10 days have passed after fertilization. Because the hCG level reaches a detectable level during this period. Since the blood test is much more sensitive than the urine test, it can be done without waiting for the menstrual delay in cases where pregnancy is suspected. A blood test can detect pregnancy early by measuring hCG levels in the body. It can provide information about pregnancy without having to wait for the delay in menstruation. If a negative result is obtained despite an early pregnancy test, it is recommended to repeat the test a few days after the menstrual delay or to have a blood test with the recommendation of a doctor.