How early can a blood test detect pregnancy before missed period

If you think you might be pregnant, you may be able to wait the recommended two weeks for an accurate urine test. Or, you may wish to know sooner! If you are wondering how soon can a blood test confirm pregnancy, or if you have more questions related to pregnancy confirmation, you’ll find some important information below. And if you are looking for the best pregnancy care available near Coral Springs, Florida, book an appointment at our practice! We have two of South Florida’s top-rated ob-gyns practicing under one roof at Lona Sasser Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Pregnancy Confirmation Question #1: How Soon Can a Blood Test Confirm Pregnancy?

The answer to the question, “How soon can a blood test confirm pregnancy?” is 7 to 12 days after you conceive. However, according to American Pregnancy, “It is possible that these tests can be done too early and show a false negative result. If you receive a negative result and still do not start your period, another test should be done.” If you are eager to find out whether you are pregnant or not, a blood test can confirm pregnancy sooner than other methods. You can easily book online for an appointment at our practice!

Pregnancy Confirmation Question #2: What Are Other Ways of Confirming Pregnancy?

A missed menstrual cycle is one important sign that you may be pregnant. Especially if your periods are regular, a missed period is an indicator of possible pregnancy, and you may want to seek further confirmation with either a urine test or blood test. Urine and blood tests both test for the same pregnancy hormone: human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. Your body begins to produce this hormone as soon as a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, and rapidly produces more of this hormone each day of your pregnancy.

How Soon Can a Blood Test Confirm Pregnancy? Steps You Can Take

Now that we have answered your question, “How soon can a blood test confirm pregnancy?” book an appointment for confirmation of pregnancy at Lona Sasser Obstetrics and Gynecology in Coral Springs. If you are seeking a new obstetrician, we can help you transfer your care to our office.

Patient Testimonials

Read what patients have to say about their experiences with obstetrical care at our practice:

“This is my first pregnancy and I had a lot of fears and questions. Dr. Squire-De Leon was calm and answered every question I had. Took a lot of anxiety away from me.” – Anonymous Patient on ZocDoc

“Love Dr. Sasser… She delivered my daughter when I lived in Coral Springs and even though I’ve moved more than 30 minutes away I love her so much that I have decided to stay with her no matter how far I have to travel. So worth it to have an OB-GYN that I love!!! She makes you feel so comfortable and has always been there for me when I needed. Even if it was calling in the middle of the night with an emergency she always got back to me. Thankful such amazing doctors still exist!” – Nicole Y. on Facebook

Sources for This Article:

Taking a Pregnancy Test – American Pregnancy
Am I Pregnant? – Central Carolina Obgyn

How early can a blood test detect pregnancy before missed period

A blood pregnancy test can detect or confirm pregnancy by checking the female’s blood for the presence of the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). There are 2 types of blood pregnancy tests. 

A qualitative hCG test checks for the presence of hCG hormone in the female’s body. On the other hand, a quantitative hCG test, also known as beta hCG measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood. 

Blood pregnancy tests yield a positive result on detecting 5 mIU (milli-International Units per milliliter) of hCG hormones in the blood. This level can usually be seen shortly after conception.

  • How soon can blood tests detect pregnancy?
  • Types of blood pregnancy tests
  • How is a pregnancy blood test performed? 
  • Accuracy of  pregnancy blood tests
  • Disadvantages 

How soon can blood tests detect pregnancy?

How early can a blood test detect pregnancy before missed period

A female can choose to have a blood pregnancy test to know if an unintended pregnancy has occurred after contraception failure or to see if she succeeded in getting pregnant.

A blood pregnancy test can confirm pregnancy as early as 10 days after a female has missed a period (around 6 to 8 days after ovulation). Sometimes, blood pregnancy tests can detect the hCG hormone even earlier than that.

A female must go to her gynecologist to get a blood pregnancy test after a missed period. Blood pregnancy tests are more sensitive than home pregnancy test kits, so they can detect a pregnancy earlier than those. Although a female can get the results very quickly with a home test, it takes relatively longer to get the results to the blood pregnancy test. 

Types of blood pregnancy tests

There are 2 types of blood pregnancy tests that a female can undergo after a missed period to confirm pregnancy-

  • Qualitative Blood Serum Test: This pregnancy blood test can only confirm whether or not hCG (pregnancy hormone) is present. It basically gives a yes (the female is pregnant) or a no (the female not pregnant) result. The qualitative hCG blood test is nearly as accurate as of the home urine test.
  • Quantitative Blood Serum Test: This pregnancy blood test, also known as the beta hCG test, measures the exact amount of hCG in the female’s blood. As this test can detect even slight traces of hCG, it is a highly accurate test. A quantitative blood test can also help the doctor to determine if the pregnancy is progressing normally.

How is a pregnancy blood test performed? 

How early can a blood test detect pregnancy before missed period

A pregnancy blood test is performed just like a normal blood test. The site from where the blood sample is to be taken (most likely the forearm or the back of the hand) is cleaned with an antiseptic. A tourniquet will then be placed on the upper arm to apply pressure. A needle will be inserted to collect the blood in an airtight syringe. The blood sample will be then sent out to a lab to be analyzed.

Accuracy of  pregnancy blood tests

Blood pregnancy tests have an accuracy rate as high as 98 to 99%. The pregnancy blood tests can be performed around 7 days after conceiving and still provide highly accurate results. With the urine or home pregnancy tests, false pregnancy test results are possible, both negative and positive.

Disadvantages 

The blood pregnancy tests can take longer to receive give results as compared to a home pregnancy test. The time to get back the results from a pregnancy blood test can vary from lab to lab and may range from an hour to a few days.

Blood pregnancy tests must be performed at the gynecologist’s clinic or a hospital. Book an appointment or chat online to know more about pregnancy blood tests. 

Also Read:

  • Pregnancy test at home with toothpaste- Effectiveness and Results
  • Am I Pregnant? Signs of Pregnancy after Sex
  • Negative Home Pregnancy Test after Missed Period

Can a blood pregnancy test be taken too early?

Blood pregnancy tests are among the most accurate ways to detect pregnancy, but they are not fool-proof. False negatives can occur if the blood test is taken too early. The hCG hormone only shows up in the blood after a week or two post conception.

Can a blood test determine if you are pregnant before you miss your period?

While some tests claim to give you accurate results before a missed period, taking a test too soon can result in a false negative (the test says you aren't pregnant, but you are). Your healthcare provider can take a blood sample to test for pregnancy as early as one week before a missed period.