Title: Am I Pregnant? | Taking a Home Pregnancy Test | Live Science
Headings: Am I Pregnant? | Taking a Home Pregnancy Test
Am I Pregnant? | Taking a Home Pregnancy Test
What the test measures
When to test
How they work
Understanding results
Home tests vs. tests at a doctor's office
Tips for using home pregnancy tests
Additional resources

Content: Depending upon when a woman has her first prenatal visit, it's customary for some medical practices to repeat a urine pregnancy test at their offices or do a blood test, Helgeson said. She said that if a woman is further along in her pregnancy, such as in her eighth week or beyond, her health care provider might do an ultrasound scan instead to determine the viability of the pregnancy and her due date. " This is determined on an individual basis," Helgeson explained. Home tests vs. tests at a doctor's office
The urine-based pregnancy test done in a provider's office is similar to the one that's done at home and is based on the same principle, hCG levels, Helgeson said. She explained that a blood test for pregnancy, known as the beta hCG test, trumps a urine test because it is more sensitive at detecting hCG. A blood test can detect a pregnancy earlier than a urine test, by detecting low levels of hCG in blood as early as six to eight days after ovulation. But a blood test can only be performed in a doctor's office or clinic, and it might take longer to get results, according to womenshealth.gov. Tips for using home pregnancy tests
Follow directions carefully: For best results, read package directions thoroughly and follow them closely, especially instructions about how and when to do the test, and waiting enough time to read the results. Be sure to use the test before its expiration date posted on the package, and store the kit in a dry place at room temperature.