Private Pregnancy Blood Tests
The pregnancy blood test is more precise and sensitive compared to a standard at-home urine test. Healthcare professionals widely use the test to measure the level of pregnancy hormones in your bloodstream. It also allows you to confirm a pregnancy and estimate your baby's gestational age.
A pregnancy blood test is quantitative, meaning it produces a numerical result indicating the concentration of pregnancy hormones. The hormone analysed is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (also referred to as bHCG).
Why Get a Pregnancy Blood Test?
An hCG blood test is mostly used to confirm pregnancy and sometimes to track its early stages. Generally, it is the most reliable method for checking if you are pregnant, particularly after a missed period or a positive home urine test.
In contrast to urine tests, which only indicate a positive or negative result, a blood test accurately measures hCG levels in your bloodstream. This detailed information can be valuable for:
- Early pregnancy confirmation
- Measuring the levels of hCG
- Estimating gestational age
- Monitoring pregnancy progression
- Detecting risks like miscarriage
- Detecting multiple pregnancies
How the Pregnancy Blood Test is Conducted
The test aids in determining the amount of hCG hormone present in the blood. So, during the procedure, a clinician will collect your blood. This process entails:
- Wrapping an elastic band around your upper arm to temporarily restricts blood flow, making veins more visible.
- Cleaning the selected area with alcohol before inserting a needle into a vein.
- Drawing the required amount of blood with the tube attached to the needle.
- Loosening and removing the elastic band once enough blood is obtained.
You might feel a brief sting or pinch during the procedure, though most people experience no discomfort at all. Also, no special preparation is needed before taking the pregnancy blood test.