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Accuracy of Home Pregnancy Test Versus Blood Test
Q: I've been trying to get pregnant by tracking my period and my most fertile days. I got my last period one month ago, and it only lasted two days with spotting for about four more days after that. According to the ovulation calendar on your site, I was supposed to get my period four days ago and I haven't. When is the best time to take a home pregnancy test as opposed to a blood test? Is it too early to get an accurate result?
A:
The accuracy of a blood test beats out the accuracy of a urine test by only about three to four days. But of course, it's much easier to take a home pregnancy test than make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Home pregnancy tests are getting more and more accurate—in fact, the American Pregnancy Association, reports that they're now about "97 percent accurate when done correctly." You should be able to get an accurate result the first day you've noticed a missed period.
But just in case you've done the test incorrectly or your cycle is a bit off, go ahead and buy a test with two indicators so that you can check your results a day or two after the first one to confirm. For the most accurate report, schedule an appointment with your doctor. After all, if you are pregnant, you'll want to make sure you have excellent prenatal care to insure a healthy pregnancy and delivery! Good luck!
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist who has been in private practice since 1981 and has served as Chief of the Medical Staff at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in greater New Orleans. Dr. DiLeo's new book The Anxious Parents' Guide to Pregnancy is now available.
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