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Get Accurate Results With Blood Test For Pregnancy

Posted On : Dec-14-2009 | seen (1452) times | Article Word Count : 488 |

You may be one of those women who doubt the result of pregnancy kits. If you do, there is help available, in the form of precisely defined blood tests. These tests measure the exact amount of the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin, the pregnancy hormone) in the bloodstream of a woman.
You may be one of those women who doubt the result of pregnancy kits. If you do, there is help available, in the form of precisely defined blood tests. These tests measure the exact amount of the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin, the pregnancy hormone) in the bloodstream of a woman. This particular hormone is generated by a pregnant woman’s placenta. Within 10 days of fertilization, this hormone can be detected in the blood and urine of a pregnant woman.

Test Types

There are two different types of blood tests that can be used to measure the amount of hCG.

• Qualitative Blood Test – This test is quite similar to the home based urine test for pregnancy as it only detects the presence of hCG in the bloodstream.
• Quantitative Blood Test – This test is quite important and useful as it actually measures the actual amount of hCG in the pregnant woman’s blood. With the help of this test, the doctor can also estimate the approximate age of the fetus. This test can also help in determining whether the pregnancy is progressing smoothly or not.

Detection Of Pregnancy

Blood tests can actually detect a pregnancy a bit earlier. These tests not only measure the exact amount of hCG in a pregnant woman’s blood but can also detect it about a week or two from the possible day of conception. The test results also help the doctor analyze and detect any possible problems or medical complications.

Accuracy

There are latest research results that suggest that blood test is more accurate than a home based urine test. Recent studies on pregnant women have revealed that around five to six percent of negative urine pregnancy tests are incorrect meaning the woman who is actually pregnant may give a negative urine test report.

How To Use Blood Tests

If there is a normal pattern of hCG levels throughout pregnancy, it can be considered to be a healthy sign. Normally, in a healthy pregnant woman, the levels of hCG increase through the first trimester and then slowly decrease over the pregnancy period. So, for any pregnant woman it would be advisable to get the test done frequently in order to see the increased levels of hCG. The general positive level of hCG is 5 mIU, typically found in a pregnant woman who has just conceived. Generally, hCG levels are doubled every 2 days during the first four weeks and in the later stages it may take almost 3 to 4 days to double. If the results show some discrepancy, then the expecting mother may be in some kind of trouble.

Home pregnancy kits that include urine tests give around 97% accuracy while blood tests turn out to be more accurate. The accuracy also depends upon the methodology and lab profile where the test was performed.

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Get Accurate Results With Blood Test For Pregnancy_6972.aspx

Author Resource :
Pregnancy blood tests are important to confirm or rule out pregnancy. And, you may need to refer an information resource to find answers to pregnancy test FAQ.

Keywords : Pregnancy Blood Tests, Pregnancy Test FAQ, Pregnancy Test, Pregnancy Treatment,

Category : Home and Family : Pregnancy

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