Pregnancy

Pregnancy testing is a process used to confirm whether a woman is pregnant or not. There are two main types of pregnancy tests:

Urine Test: This is the most common and easily accessible type of test. It works by detecting the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine. Most at-home pregnancy tests are urine tests that come in the form of test strips or digital devices. These tests are usually accurate if taken correctly, typically around the time of a missed period.

Blood Test: This type of test is typically performed by healthcare professionals and can either be a qualitative blood test or a quantitative blood test.

- Qualitative blood tests determine the presence or absence of hCG in the blood and provide a "yes" or "no" answer regarding pregnancy. These tests can usually detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests.

- Quantitative blood tests measure the exact amount of hCG in the blood. They are more sensitive and can detect pregnancy earlier than both urine and qualitative blood tests. They are also used to monitor the progression of hCG levels during early pregnancy or in certain medical situations.

It's important to note that the accuracy of pregnancy tests can vary depending on factors such as the timing of the test, the sensitivity of the test, and how it is performed. For the most accurate results, it's recommended to follow the instructions provided with the test or consult a healthcare professional.