Can Blood Tests Confirm Pregnancy? Timing and Costs Explained

Is it possible to take a blood test for pregnancy, and what is the cost of a blood pregnancy test?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about my last menstrual period, which ended on March 1.
I had sexual intercourse on March 6, March 13, and March 21, using condoms.
The recorded ovulation date is March 8, and my next expected period is set to start on March 22.
To be cautious, I would like to take a blood test for pregnancy this week.
Is this timing appropriate? If not, when would be the best time to test for pregnancy? Also, since this is my first blood test for pregnancy, could you please provide an estimate of the cost? Thank you for your attention and answers, doctor.

Sasa, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/21

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you can have a blood test done, or you can wait to take a urine test 12 days after sexual intercourse.
Generally, the cost of a blood test is around $500, but it varies by facility.
The urine test is cheaper; you can simply buy a pregnancy test kit at the pharmacy.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/03/21

More Info

When it comes to confirming pregnancy, blood tests are indeed a reliable method. They can detect the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Blood tests can typically detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests, often within 6 to 8 days after conception.
In your case, since your last menstrual period ended on March 1 and you had sexual intercourse on March 6, 13, and 21, with an estimated ovulation date of March 8, it is possible to test for pregnancy as early as March 9 or 10 using a blood test. However, the most accurate results are usually obtained if you wait until at least the day of your expected period, which in your case is March 22. This is because hCG levels double approximately every 48 to 72 hours in early pregnancy, and waiting until after your missed period can provide a more definitive result.

As for the timing of your blood test, if you choose to test this week, it may still yield a negative result if you are indeed pregnant, as it might be too early for hCG levels to be detectable. Therefore, testing around the time of your expected period or a few days after would be more advisable for a reliable result.

Regarding costs, the price for a blood pregnancy test can vary depending on the healthcare facility. Generally, you can expect to pay around $500, but this can differ based on the location and specific lab fees. It's also worth noting that urine pregnancy tests, which can be purchased over-the-counter at pharmacies, are typically less expensive and can provide quick results, although they are generally less sensitive than blood tests.

In summary, while blood tests are a reliable way to confirm pregnancy, the timing of the test is crucial for accurate results. Testing closer to your expected period will give you the best chance of detecting pregnancy if it has occurred. If you have any concerns or symptoms that are unusual, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and care.

Similar Q&A

Can Blood Tests Provide More Accurate Pregnancy Results?

It has been almost three months since my last sexual intercourse, and I have seen online that some people did not get a positive pregnancy test until four months later. Have you encountered such cases, doctor? Is blood testing a more accurate way to determine the result? Most art...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, a pregnancy test should be taken at least 12 days after conception for accurate results. The chances of pregnancy are low. If menstruation has not occurred for three months, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

When is the Best Time for a Blood Pregnancy Test for Accurate Results?

Excuse me, doctor, may I ask when is the best time to take a blood test for pregnancy to ensure the results are highly reliable?

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the blood test for pregnancy can detect pregnancy slightly earlier than a urine test, around the time of your expected period. However, a positive pregnancy hormone level does not guarantee successful embryo development, as there may still be risks of implantation failure,...

Is Blood Test for Pregnancy Accurate Nine Days After Intercourse?

Hello doctor: If I take a pregnancy test through a blood draw on the afternoon of the ninth day after sexual intercourse, will the result be accurate?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, blood tests can detect various conditions. Wishing you good health!

Understanding Pregnancy Tests: Blood vs. Home Urine Tests

Hello doctor, I took medication to stabilize my eggs, and the doctor suggested that I might have a chance to conceive on September 28. In the past few days, the pregnancy test strips showed faint double lines, but when I went to the gynecology clinic for a urine test and blood te...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
As of today, which is 18 days since September 28, both blood tests and urine tests should be sufficiently accurate. Therefore, it is likely that there is no pregnancy. However, you can still perform another test for confirmation. Sincerely, Dr. Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.