Test sooner for pregnancy in blood than in urine

To confirm a pregnancy either blood or urine can be used.  The body releases the pregnancy hormone, human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), into the bloodstream, circulates it throughout the body, and then passes it out in the urine.

Until recently blood pregnancy tests could only be done in a laboratory.  Now with the NG PRECISION+ blood pregnancy test, the test is available for self-testing at home.

The measurement of hCG in blood allows for an earlier detection of a pregnancy than a urine test.  It is also more reliable.  This is because hCG can be detected in blood as early as the 9th day after ovulation - if the fertilised egg implants in the uterus.  Because of this, a positive result with a pregnancy blood test can be obtained earlier than you would with a urine test.

The NG PRECISION+ test allows you to detect a potential pregnancy wherever you are and at any time, day or night without the constraints of a urine test.  Unlike urine pregnancy tests, blood pregnancy tests are unaffected by dilution from drinks.  It is also not affected by the time of the day.  In urine the hCG levels are higher in the first urine of the morning.

Obtaining a drop of blood to perform the test

• To obtain the drop of blood needed to do the test, start by massaging the finger from its base to its end several times to facilitate the flow of blood.
• Disinfect the area with the wipe provided and allow the skin to dry.
• Position the grey button on the side edge of the end of the finger then firmly press the finger on the grey button of the test, until it “click”.
• Squeeze the finger behind the puncture site to form a drop of blood.
• If the drop of blood does not completely fill the capillary tube of the test, squeeze the finger again.

Which finger to use for blood collection

As a general rule, it is advisable to use the middle or ring finger of the left hand if you are right-handed or the middle or ring finger of the right hand if you are left-handed.

Among those two fingers, choose the one that allows you to be the most comfortable during manipulations.  The blood drop must be taken on the side (lateral edge) of the end of the finger.

What factors can affect the test result?

• Certain medications, treatments or conditions can affect the test result, such as hCG fertility drugs.
• If you have recently been pregnant, the test may show a residue of hCG in blood.
• If you are in menopause or pre-menopause.
• Sadly, the rate of miscarriage is very high during early pregnancy occurring in around 10% of women under 30 and 50% of women over 45 years old. Due to this high risk of miscarriage during the early stages of pregnancy it is important to be aware that using a pregnancy test very early on in pregnancy will mean that some women will initially get a positive result that may subsequently become negative when tested later on.

If you get unexpected results, talk to your healthcare provider.