Maybe your period is late. Maybe you’ve had some symptoms you can’t explain. Whatever brought you here, you’re looking for answers, and a pregnancy test is the place to start. Schedule a free, confidential pregnancy test at Woman to Woman Health Center in Dallas.
How Pregnancy Tests Detect Pregnancy
Pregnancy tests detect a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. Your body begins producing hCG shortly after a fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining. In early pregnancy, hCG levels rise quickly, nearly doubling every two to three days.
Both urine and blood tests detect hCG, but they differ in how and when they’re used.
Urine Tests vs. Blood Tests
Urine tests are the most common type. You can take one at home or at a clinic. A lab-quality urine test, like the ones used at Woman to Woman, is highly accurate when taken at the right time.
Blood tests are done at a medical facility like Woman to Woman. They can detect lower levels of hCG than urine tests, which means they can confirm pregnancy earlier. There are two types:
- Qualitative blood tests confirm whether hCG is present
- Quantitative blood tests measure the exact amount of hCG, which can help determine how far along a pregnancy may be
When to Test for the Most Accurate Result
Timing matters. Testing too early can produce a false negative because hCG levels may not yet be high enough to be detected.
For the most reliable result:
- Wait until at least the first day of your missed period
- If your cycle is irregular, wait about three weeks after the last time you had sex
- Test first thing in the morning, when urine concentration is highest
- If the result is negative but symptoms continue, test again in a few days
What a Positive Result Means
A positive test confirms hCG is present. It does not tell you how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is in the right location, or whether it is developing normally. An ultrasound provides that information, and it matters regardless of what you decide to do next.
Get Answers at Woman to Woman
Woman to Woman Health Center offers free, confidential pregnancy testing at two Dallas-area locations. If your result is positive, the team can walk you through the next steps, including a free ultrasound and a conversation about your options.
Schedule your free appointment today because you’re worth it. Call or text 972-636-4460.