Alamo City Urgent Care offers convenient, accurate pregnancy testing at each of our San Antonio locations. We offer both urine and blood tests, making it easy to get the test you need in a safe and private place.
What is a Pregnancy Test?
A pregnancy test measures the level of a hormone in your body to determine whether or not you are pregnant.
How Does a Pregnancy Test Work?
When you become pregnant, your body produces a higher level of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) once an embryo attaches to the lining of your uterus. A pregnancy test simply detects an elevated level of HCG in your body, which can help to confirm your pregnancy.
Types of Pregnancy Tests
There are two primary types of pregnancy tests: urine and blood.
- Urine Tests: Whether it’s an at-home test or a test performed at an urgent care, a urine pregnancy test uses a dipstick to detect HCG in your urine.
- Blood Tests: Blood pregnancy tests are less commonly used and are typically performed at a clinic, urgent care, or hospital. A blood pregnancy test measures the amount of HCG in your blood and is generally more sensitive than a urine pregnancy test.
Understanding the Accuracy of Pregnancy Tests
Pregnancy tests tend to be quite accurate when done correctly. Some things can impact the accuracy of the test, however:
- If you take a test very early in the pregnancy, HCG may not yet be elevated.
- If you drink a large amount of fluids before testing, your urine may be diluted, affecting the accuracy of the test.
- Not following the test directions may affect the accuracy of the results.
When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?
A pregnancy test can be a good idea for several reasons:
- You missed your period and think you may be pregnant.
- You are concerned about a miscarriage.
- You are experiencing spotting or minor bleeding (significant bleeding calls for a trip to an emergency room).
Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test
A pregnancy test is best done early in the day, ideally using the first urine you void that day. When testing later in the day, avoid drinking excessive fluids and avoid urinating for three hours before testing.
How Early Can You Test for Pregnancy?
A urine test can typically detect elevated HCG 10 days after you conceive. Testing after your first missed period can be even more effective, reducing the chance of a false negative.
How Long Does a Pregnancy Test Take?
A urine pregnancy test is a very rapid test. Results are typically rapid at Alamo City Urgent Care, ensuring you get the information you need quickly. Results from a blood test usually take a bit longer to process.
The Pregnancy Test Process at Alamo City Urgent Care
Each Alamo City Urgent Care location features professional, onsite lab services, ensuring prompt and accurate testing. Urine pregnancy tests can be done quickly and easily.
How to Prepare for a Pregnancy Test
To prepare for your pregnancy test, try not to urinate for at least three hours before providing a urine sample. If you take medication for fertility, please let your provider know, as this can affect your test results.
Our Pregnancy Testing Process
Our caring clinical staff will explain how to provide a urine sample for your test. We ensure your experience is private and comfortable. For a urine test, once you’ve provided a urine sample, our excellent lab staff takes care of the rest. You can expect a seamless process with quick results.
Please note: Blood pregnancy tests are not performed at Alamo City Urgent Care, but we can order them upon request.
What to Expect After the Test
After your test, your provider will discuss your results and answer any questions you may have.
Advantages of Getting a Pregnancy Test at Urgent Care
Convenience is one key advantage of getting a pregnancy test at urgent care. Rather than waiting to see your doctor while wondering if you may be pregnant or having concerning symptoms, you can simply walk in to urgent care for rapid testing. Experienced providers can ensure you get the thorough care you need and help with questions and concerns.
What Do Pregnancy Test Results Mean?
Pregnancy test results are typically straightforward. A positive result means that the HCG level in your urine indicates pregnancy. A negative result means that this hormone hasn’t been found, and—barring a false negative—you are likely not pregnant.
False Positives and False Negatives
Though pregnancy testing is typically quite accurate, inaccurate results like a false negative sometimes happen. This could result from drinking too much water before testing or testing too early in pregnancy. False positives are somewhat rare, but they could result from taking fertility medication or having an early miscarriage.
Why Choose Alamo City Urgent Care for Your Pregnancy Test Needs?
Our clinical and lab staff are committed to providing high-quality, prompt testing that accommodates your busy schedule. Pregnancy testing is just one of the many urgent care services we provide. Each of our San Antonio locations features a welcoming atmosphere and a stellar team ready to give you the care you need.
For exceptional, fast medical care when you need it, visit an Alamo City Urgent Care location near you.
