A pregnancy test uses a blood or urine sample to determine whether or not a woman is pregnant. Both types of tests look for the presence of the hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). When this hormone is detected, it almost always means the woman is pregnant.

Urine tests can be taken by a woman on her own. They are inexpensive and can be purchased at a pharmacy and other stores without a prescription. In addition, results from the test come back in as little as two minutes. They are usually accurate, with most manufacturers claiming an accuracy rate of at least 97 percent. Positive results of a home pregnancy test should always be confirmed by a physician.

Blood tests are taken in a physician’s office, clinic or laboratory. They are more expensive than urine tests, and results take longer to be returned. However, blood tests are even more sensitive and accurate than urine tests, and are useful in monitoring and detecting problems during pregnancy.

There are no significant risks associated with urine pregnancy tests. However, blood pregnancy tests include the minor risks associated with any blood test such as excessive bleeding, fainting and infection.