QuestionHi I was wondering what your thoughts are about this. I had a qualitative HCG drawn about 2 weeks ago and it was negative, however I am already 1 day late on my period and I read on the internet that this one is not as accurate as the quantitative one. I read that it is as accurate as a home pregnancy test. Is this true? I'm thinking I should go ahead a take a HPT if I don't get my period in a few days! Thanks...
AnswerHi Sara,
You probably know all this but I'll summarise anyway. hCG - human chorionic gonadotropin - is a hormone released by the placenta during pregnancy. Its presence in the body is used to determine pregnancy. Both the blood and urine tests work by recognising a 'positive threshold' of hCG.
The qualitative and quantitative tests will offer a yes or no answer, although the quantitative can be more useful in determining the exact amount of hCG in the blood and thereby conferring some information on the duration of the pregnancy. In terms of accuracy, there isn't any significant difference between the quantitative and qualitative tests - both offer around 98-99% accuracy. The home pregnancy test has a very similar accuracy - around 97%, if - and only if - used as directed.
I could be a little out with my numbers, but from the information you gave me I'm guessing you had the blood drawn about half way through your cycle? This is really the earliest that you could hope to detect a pregnancy, so it is perfectly reasonable that the levels were too low to offer a positive result. Most doctors recommend taking a test once you realise your period is late. So, if you don't get your period in a few days, or are eager to find out either way, a home pregnancy test would be a good option. If you do a HPT, try and follow the instructions as closely as you can and try and use the first sample you produce in the morning - hCG levels are at their most potent in the morning.
Good luck either way,
Best wishes,
Sam
