The Best Pregnancy Test - A Comparison of 3 Tests

This article compares 3 types of tests done to detect pregnancy to decide which is the best one:
1. Blood test to detect possible signs of pregnancy
Blood tests can detect hCG earlier than urine tests. When increasing levels are detected, they confirm the existence and continuation of pregnancy.
There are two types of hCG tests. The qualitative hCG blood test is a simple 'yes or no' test and this is more like the urine test in terms of its accuracy.
The quantitative blood test or the beta hCG test measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood. It can pick up very small amounts of hCG, thereby making this the best pregnancy test. If this test is repeated in 2-3 days and the beta hCG values are observed to have at least doubled, then this confirms that the pregnancy is continuing.
A pregnant woman has 25mIu/ml hCG, ten days past ovulation, 50mIu/ml hCG, twelve days past ovulation and 100 mIu/ml hCG, fifteen days past ovulation.
These levels of hCG are just a guide line for the best pregnancy test.. What help in determining pregnancy are the changes in the levels of hCG.
a. A low level of hCG means possible miscalculation of pregnancy dating, or no pregnancy at all. The hCG levels have to be retested to check if there is any increase in the levels.
b. High levels of hCG hormone during pregnancy could mean molar pregnancy or multiple pregnancies.
2. Urine Test For Pregnancy
Urine testing of pregnancy is a chemical test used to identify a specific substance in blood or a body fluid sample. It is a highly sensitive and specific test.
Urine is applied on the test strip. A change in the color of the strip indicates the presence of hCG, meaning the woman is pregnant. This is qualitative testing, which states a simple positive or negative during pregnancy test.
Quantitative tests work by measuring protein molecules which interact with the pregnancy hormone. The concentration of the product formed is measured in the best pregnancy test.
Testing of urine for pregnancy does need the presence of a doctor or nurse. The test results are correct if the given instructions are followed properly.
3. Using Ultrasound for Early Detection of Pregnancy
Pregnancies after 5 1/2 weeks of conception can be detected by ultrasound scanning. However, ultrasound scanning, if used during the early stage of pregnancy, has to be trans vaginal. It is also quite possible that pregnancy escapes detection at this stage due to the very small size of the sac.
Up to 8 weeks of pregnancy, blood tests have been found to be more reliable. Ultrasound scanning is more useful after this time.
Jessica Harrison is an expert on pregnancy symptoms and would like to help people by sharing her expertise. To know more about the best pregnancy tests, visit: http://www.allaboutpregnancysymptoms.com
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