Nowadays, there are various options for pregnancy testing. While you used to need a doctor for a test, you can now purchase accurate at-home tests from grocery stores. However, for the most reliable results and to prevent mistakes, it’s best to consult a medical expert. If you’re anxious to know quickly and can’t visit your regular doctor, urgent care services are available to assist you.
Pregnancy testing at an urgent care
Urgent care centers offer two types of pregnancy tests: urine tests and blood tests. The urine test is most common and is done using reactive paper to check for hCG levels, which indicates pregnancy. While this test can be done at home, getting it done at a clinic reduces mistakes. Blood tests are more sensitive and can detect pregnancy earlier, but they’re usually reserved for special cases, like if there might be complications.
You can get a pregnancy test at an urgent care clinic either by appointment or by walking in. During the test, the doctor will ask about your health, like when your last period was and what symptoms you’re experiencing. They’ll also ask about any medications you’re taking, as some can affect the test results. You’ll get the results during your appointment, and if it’s positive, they’ll suggest seeing your primary care doctor or OB-GYN for further care.
Understanding pregnancy test results
No medical test can deliver 100% accurate results. There is always the chance for a false-negative or false-positive result. This margin for error is larger with home pregnancy tests. Take a closer look at the difference between false negatives and false positives below.
False negatives
A negative pregnancy test indicates that the patient is not pregnant. However, a false negative result occurs when the test shows negative even though the patient is actually pregnant. This can occur if the test is taken too early or too late when the hCG levels are low, or if the patient has an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes.
False positives
A positive result indicates that the patient is pregnant. However, a false-positive result is when the patient is not truly pregnant. Human error and medications may cause false positives. They are also sometimes rooted in ectopic pregnancies and chemical pregnancies, two types of nonviable pregnancies.
Signs of Pregnancy
The signs and symptoms of pregnancy are different for everyone. However, there are some common signs. The most well-known sign of pregnancy is a missed period, but other symptoms include the following:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Increased urination
- Tender breasts
- Food cravings/aversions
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Mood swings
- Cramping
- Spotting
- Bloating
- Skin changes
People may not experience all of these symptoms, and some may start noticing changes early, while others will not notice changes until they are further along. In addition, these symptoms can be signs that one’s period is on the way or of other hormonal fluctuations. Therefore, people who have had any of these symptoms and a missed period should have a pregnancy test to know for sure.
How pregnancy testing works
When to take a pregnancy test requires knowing how they function. These tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced only during pregnancy, which increases after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus lining. It typically takes about 10 days after conception for this hormone to rise to detectable levels. While some tests can detect pregnancy 10 days post-conception, doctors advise waiting at least a week after a missed period for the most accurate results. The practitioner will provide test results during the appointment and advise accordingly; if positive, they’ll likely suggest consulting a primary care doctor or OB-GYN for further care.
Test results you can trust
Wondering whether you are pregnant can be stressful. Seek help from healthcare professionals who can get you the most reliable results. These practitioners can also advise you of your next steps. To learn more about pregnancy testing, call our team today.
In Last
Explore the convenience and reliability of pregnancy testing, whether at home or through urgent care services. Understand the nuances of test results, including false negatives and positives, while familiarizing yourself with common pregnancy symptoms. Learn when to seek professional advice for accurate testing and guidance on next steps in your journey.
