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Urine pregnancy tests are very popular and well known among women. In fact, urine pregnancy tests are done more often than blood pregnancy tests for many reasons. They are easy to do and very convenient, plus, they are widely available.
Blood pregnancy tests are used sometimes but the majority of the time urine test kits are chosen. They offer several options for women and allow for much privacy.
The test works by reacting to the amount of hCG in your urine. The test strip or device contains special chemicals that react with hCG if it is present. This forms a reaction that produces a visible indicator, such as a line or symbol, to show a positive result. The intensity of the indicator may vary depending on the concentration of hCG detected.
All of this happens within seconds to several minutes depending on the brand of test. Here are 7 reasons why women choose urine pregnancy tests:
1. Urine Pregnancy Tests are Cheaper
Urine tests are more affordable than blood test. Although blood tests are not super expensive, they are however a bit more costly than urine tests. These tests are so affordable that women can literally buy a test kit at any drug store and even online at Amazon and other online stores.
Of course, there are different brands and kits are designed differently, so the prices vary. There are those that are cheaper and those that will cost more money. But in general it is less expensive and perfect for someone who is living on a budget.
Urine test kits are utilized at labs as well and even then it is still cheaper to do than blood tests. The qualitative hCG blood test is done with a kit but it still costs more. Of course, it is understandable why blood tests are more expensive because more resources are used to do and run an hCG blood test.
If you are looking to buy a test kit, you can check here on Amazon.
2. Widely Available
Buying a urine pregnancy test kit is easy nowadays. Almost all drug stores have them and they can also be bought online. If urine cups are needed, they can also be bought at drug stores or even online too.
If you are doing the urine test at a lab, the lab may give you the container for you to pee in. If you buy the test kit at the store and you need a container, you will have to buy one at the store as well.
This availability makes it so convenient and encouraging to do a urine pregnancy test.
3. Urine Tests are Easy To Do
Urine pregnancy tests are not complicated at all, they are simple and easy to do. In the laboratory, a urine cup containing some urine and the test kit are all that are needed. The kit comes with the instructions, so following them is necessary but even the instructions are straightforward.
A few drops of urine is placed unto the device using the dropper (certain brands) and after a few minutes the result is read. It’s that simple.
The test kits sold online and at drug stores are the same. There may be a few differences in the instructions given and how the devices look but the process is still simple and easy. Urine pregnancy tests can almost be done anywhere if you think about it. They are that versatile.
4. Quick Results
Timing for results may vary depending on the brand and design but in about 5 minutes results for a urine pregnancy test is ready. It is that fast! You can do it in the comfort of your home or if you are out, anywhere you can find a washroom. In 5 minutes, you have your result.
If done at a laboratory, getting the results will take much longer. It could take up to 1 to 3 days to get results back. Labs have a process by which things are done, therefore, results take longer.
These quick results let women know their pregnancy status and what steps need to be taken going forward. If a confirmation is needed, the test can be repeated or one can be done at the laboratory.
If results are positive, seeing your doctor or a healthcare professional may be your next steps.
5. Urine Pregnancy Tests are Reliable
While user errors are possible or manufacture defects, urine pregnancy tests are very accurate and can be relied upon. The most important thing here is to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If instructions are not followed, then it is possible to miss something and as a result get a wrong result.
For most accuracy, follow all instructions as said. Urine test kits can detect hCG levels 12 to 14 days after ovulation. Doing the test earlier than that may give a false result as the device cannot detect low levels of hCG. Waiting for the right time is best.
Once the test is done at the right time and instructions are followed, then one can expect the result to be correct. Repeating the test can be used as a way of confirming the first result. If at the second attempt the result is the same then most likely the test was done properly and the result is accurate.
6. Non Invasive
No one likes being pricked with a needle in their arm. In fact, many people have a fear of needles and blood and doing a blood test is usually dreaded. With a urine pregnancy test there is no blood involved, it is only urine.
No phlebotomist has to draw blood from a vein in your arm and therefore no going to a healthcare facility to do a test except if you chose to do a urine test at the laboratory. It is possible that at some point you may have to do a blood pregnancy test if doing a urine test came out positive.
The quantitative hCG blood test is used to find out various things about a pregnancy and so if you are pregnant, at some point your doctor may request that you do one.
7. Test Kits Provide Early Detection
The good thing about urine pregnancy test kits is that they provide early detection for pregnancy. They can detect hCG levels about 12 to 14 days after conception. By that time, hCG levels are higher in the body and more can be found in urine.
Finding out early on that you are pregnant gives you the advantage and helps with making decisions.
Can a Urine Pregnancy Test be Wrong?
Urine pregnancy tests can be up to 99% accurate, however, there are times when they may provide a false-positive or false-negative result. Failing to follow test instructions, testing too early, expired or faulty test kits, ectopic pregnancy, and some medications can lead to a false-positive or false-negative result.
You should always get medical help if you have been tested positive for a pregnancy test. Going to your doctor will help determine if you are truly pregnant. He/she may send you to do more testing that will show your pregnancy status.
Also, if you think you might be pregnant but tested negative when you did the test, consider going to your doctor and talking with him/her about your situation.
Does a Faint Line Mean Pregnant?
Any line in the test area is considered positive even if it may be faint. If the levels of hCG in your urine is low, a faint line may appear in the test area. The intensity of the line will vary depending on the concentration of hCG in your urine. Therefore, a darker line may mean that the concentration is higher.
The only time the result is negative is when there is no line in the test area. As long as you can see a line that wasn’t there when you started, it is positive.
If you are in doubts you can repeat the test a few days later to see. HCG levels increase rapidly in the early stages of pregnancy. So, waiting a few days will increase levels of hCG in your body.
What Not to Do Before Taking a Pregnancy Test
If you think you might be pregnant here are some things Not To Do:
- Don’t drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal drugs. Taking any of these can have serious consequences for your baby.
- Don’t ignore common pregnancy symptoms. If you’re experiencing sore breasts, nausea, excessive urination, menstrual spotting or any other signs of pregnancy don’t overlook them.
- Don’t drink too much water. Drinking a lot of water or fluids can dilute your urine making hCG less detectable possibly giving a false-negative result.
- Don’t take a negative or positive home pregnancy test result at face value. If the result you are getting is contrary to how you are feeling or what you know, then get help from your doctor or go to the laboratory and do some blood pregnancy tests.