Blood Test to Find Out Sex of Baby

Nathan has 2 daughters. When he and his wife were trying to have a infant, they did considerable research on issues concerning pregnancy.

REVIEWED Past
Dr. Mark Trolice, Manager of Fertility Care, The IVF Centre

How Early on Can a Claret Test Find Pregnancy Hormones?

"Pregnancy blood tests are reliably able to detect pregnancy at much lower ranges of circulating pregnancy hormone in the blood and thus tin catch a pregnancy in its very early on stages," says Dr. Cindy Grand. Duke, a medico with the Nevada Fertility Institute in Las Vegas. "Circulating levels of pregnancy hormone would have to be much college in order for it to be detected in the urine (home pregnancy test)."

Practise you call up you might be pregnant, but you are not sure about the reliability of the dwelling test you lot've taken? Or peradventure you want to know now if you're meaning but it's too early to take a urine test, and then y'all are considering a blood test.

When tin y'all trust the domicile examination and when do you need to have a blood test instead?

There is much to consider when deciding whether or non to go the blood exam. How accurate are they? How much trouble and cost are they? How soon can you take one and when will you get the results?

Let's explore.

What Is an hCG Blood Pregnancy Test?

There are two types of blood tests to determine pregnancy:

1. Qualitative hCG blood serum tests cheque to meet if a hormone chosen human chorionic gonadotropin is nowadays in your blood. HCG is a hormone produced by the trunk during pregnancy. A positive result means you are pregnant and a negative result means y'all are non pregnant.
2. Quantitative hCG blood serum tests as well check to see if hCG is nowadays in your blood, simply these tests tin observe even trace amounts of the hormone. Because it is more precise, this examination helps to determine whether the pregnancy is normal and healthy.

How Early Can a Blood Exam Tell Me I'thousand Pregnant?

"The earliest a blood examination can detect hCG is approximately 8-ten days post-ovulation," says Dr. Mark Trolice, Director of Fertility Intendance at the IVF Center in Winter Park, Florida. "What makes things more challenging? A woman who has irregular menstrual periods and does not know when she ovulated."

Both qualitative and quantitative hCG blood serum tests tin can accurately detect pregnancy 8-x days after ovulation (about a week before your period is due). This is an advantage to taking the blood exam: You tin can accept it sooner than the urine test.

How Accurate Are Claret Pregnancy Tests?

The blood test for hCG is the most accurate to find a pregnancy, says Dr. Trolice.

Blood tests have a 99% accuracy rate, so they are almost ever accurate. The main reason for this is that the quantitative test tin observe fifty-fifty the smallest traces of the pregnancy hormone hCG. Notwithstanding, hormone levels can vary from one adult female to another.

"The range of normal beta hCG levels is very wide," says Dr. Serena Chen, a fertility expert at the Constitute for Reproductive Medicine and Scientific discipline at Saint Barnabas Medical Heart in Livingston, New Jersey, "and so it's important to accept the help of your doctor to interpret test results."

How Long Should You Await for the Results of a Blood Test?

So you've gone to the md's office, waited to be seen, and had your blood drawn. Of form, it's non over.

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Your blood has to be sent to a lab to exist analyzed. How long it takes for them to give you the results varies from lab to lab. Information technology could take an hr or several days. A couple of days is a typical waiting period for lab results.

How Accurate Are Urine Pregnancy Tests?

Comparatively, urine tests or domicile tests can be inaccurate 6% of the fourth dimension. They are more accurate when taken no earlier than seven days after a missed menstruation. Taking a home pregnancy examination likewise soon tin produce an inaccurate effect.

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Pregnancy Blood vs. Urine Tests

Blood tests:

• are more than expensive than habitation urine tests
• take to be given at a physician'due south function
• can be done only one calendar week after ovulation
• tin can take upward to 48 hours to produce a result
• are more accurate than urine tests.

Urine tests:

• are convenient and private
• are less expensive
• produce results in minutes
• are only accurate when done seven days afterward a missed period
• produce more than false positive results than blood tests.

Using Blood Tests to Diagnose Ectopic or Tubal Pregnancy

"An early on ectopic pregnancy may yield a fake negative if you exam besides early on," says Dr. Chen. If you accept concerns well-nigh the possibility of ectopic pregnancy, discuss them with your physician.

Ectopic pregnancies are fertilized eggs that have implanted in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. This type of pregnancy can nowadays similar symptoms as a normal pregnancy but can exist life-threatening for the adult female.

A quantitative hCG blood test tin can help diagnose (or rule out) an ectopic pregnancy. They are more precise than qualitative tests and detect lower levels of hCG in the blood. In an ectopic pregnancy, hCG levels are usually lower than in a normally developing pregnancy and also rises at a slower-than-normal rate.

While an ultrasound test may exist necessary to ostend the diagnosis, the blood exam can be done earlier, which is important given the risks of this type of pregnancy.

False Positive Results of Blood Pregnancy Exam

False positive results of pregnancy blood tests are rare, but they do happen. Some conditions can lead to a result of pregnancy when the woman is, in fact, non pregnant.

Because blood tests detect the presence of the hormone hCG, any level of hCG—even if information technology is there for some other reason—could atomic number 82 to a false positive test event. Some non-pregnancy reasons for hCG to be in the blood are:

1. Biochemical pregnancy, or a pregnancy that is lost before the woman even knew she was pregnant.
2. Pituitary hCG, or hormones created by the pituitary gland that are similar to hCG. It is possible for women to have low levels of hCG in the blood and not exist pregnant.
3. Antibodies that interfere with hCG tests and lead to elevated hormone levels.

What Is Phantom hCG?

Phantom hCG is a faux positive pregnancy blood exam.

In these cases, the blood test for hCG cantankerous-reacts with not-pregnancy related proteins in the blood called heterophile antibodies.

"When this occurs, it tin actually have serious consequences unless your physician is aware of this false positive gamble," says Dr. Mark Trolice. "What are the risks? Ectopic pregnancy, where an embryo implants exterior the uterus. This is a potentially life-threatening outcome but is often conservatively treated using an injection of the chemotherapy amanuensis, methotrexate."

Only if the claret examination for hCG is a faux positive, and there is, in fact, no ectopic pregnancy, the adult female may be needlessly exposed to repeated injections of methotrexate with risks of serious side furnishings from this medicine.

Another condition that can atomic number 82 to a faux positive, says Dr. Trolice, is gestation trophoblastic affliction, or cancer of pregnancy tissue. In this scenario, persistent depression levels of phantom hCG tin can exist misinterpreted for this illness resulting in aggressive only unnecessary medical intervention.

How to avoid over-treating a faux positive hCG test? The urine pregnancy test, considering heterophile antibodies are not nowadays in urine.

Can Blood Pregnancy Tests Give Faux Negative Results?

If you have had a pregnancy blood test and it came back negative, but you lot feel pregnant, it is possible that you lot really aren't significant. Many of the symptoms of an budgeted period (nausea, fatigue, crampiness, breast tenderness) can exist confused with pregnancy.

Is It Possible to Have a Pregnancy Blood Test Too Early on?

Yeah. In rare cases, it takes longer than usual for hCG hormone levels to build up in the blood. If you had a negative blood test result but y'all actually feel pregnant, await a few days and get tested again.

Takeaway

So every bit you tin can come across, there are many things to consider when you are trying to figure out whether to take the blood examination and what to expect from it. Information technology is more expensive and less convenient. You volition have to wait for the lab to get results. Yet, it is more authentic, can notice the slightest chip of pregnancy hormone in your blood, and you can test sooner than you lot can with a urine test.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may accept dangerous side effects. If meaning or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2014 NathaNater

Ruth on June 11, 2020:

Hi..ive been having cramps and pain in my lower bk 2weeks before my period appointment and now im 1week 2days belatedly for my catamenia,but im still getting catamenia like cramps.i took 2 urine examination and 1 blood test,both came bk negative..im confused..demand help

aisha on Jan 06, 2020:

I had sex activity a day before my ovulation hateful to say I was on my fertile day and my ovulation was the next day and I had sex a mean solar day earlier that....is information technology possible to go pregnant

Kaylee on Dec 15, 2019:

Sick prefer your kid paula lol

Sharon on September 09, 2019:

I had unprotected twice I. the month of September 2and iii.2 of September was my ovulation time and my flow is schedule to come on the 17. Merely I desire to know if I can do a pregnancy exam earlier my period fourth dimension to know if I'g significant or not

Clara on July 12, 2019:

You say that a urine test is only accurate done a week after a missed menstruation. This is inaccurate.

Lovely on October 24, 2018:

Hello, i would like to inquire for your help, i have a 34 twenty-four hour period cycle, and had unprotected sex last 27th of september, i have been cramping for 2 weeks then I've missed my period that was supposed to exist on the 17th of Oct, now im 6 days late, i took a urine test last saturday on the 20th with negative result and on the 22nd I took a bloodtest with another negative effect, so I assumed i was non pregnant , merely the day after that i had some spotting and it stopped the next day and i however feel some cramping, please assistance is this because of stress or am i really meaning?

Kim on September eighteen, 2018:

Hello..ive been having cramps and pain in my lower bk 2weeks earlier my period appointment and now im 1week 2days late for my period,just im still getting period like cramps.i took 2 test and both came bk negative..im confused..demand help

May on September 07, 2018:

Hi there I have a line under my belly push button to the pelvic and most pregnancy symptoms but my principal worry is the line but got negative test and just took a blood test and then I have to await need help thank yous

amanda on August 14, 2018:

How do I know I am going to exist a female parent for the first time.

lydia on August 11, 2018:

i have i calendar week later on unprotected sex and am experiencing some alter in mybody but i got my period earliar than usual and its regular could i be pregnant

Paula on June 28, 2018:

When i take blood pregnancy test ( which is role of the requirements of my work) the result came positive I was shock because I didnt have sex to my boyfriend and when I accept the dwelling house pregnancy test information technology came negative effect, now I missed 9 days of my menstruum and my breast is hurting I dont know if this is stress considering I'm non yet ready to take a Kid and I'm confusing because there's nix happen to us (boyfriend) What do you think?

Alexis on June 19, 2018:

I accept Nexplanon which is a nascence control that is highly affective due to not getting my period e'er I have no mode of knowing whether I am significant. I have been having some sharp cramping in my lower uterus area and I've been extremely tired all the fourth dimension. I recently (a week ago) took a at dwelling house urine examination and information technology was negative. Should I merely go to the doctors and accept a test done? Does anyone know of pregnancy symptoms you might have while existence on this blazon of contraceptive?

Rae on April 13, 2018:

Thank you for this artical. Was looking for a uncomplicated answer to how early on blood hCG examination tin detect pregnancy merely couldn't stop reading! It was and then interesting and informative. I have questions answered that I didn't even know I had!

Stella on March 25, 2018:

I had my last menstruum on 25th of February,sexual practice on 13th of march and 20, have not come across my menstruum, done blood examination on 23rd of march simply negative. What could exist the problem.

haseena on March 25, 2018:

1st i missed period and so i take pregnency test how many days to have

larissa on March 13, 2018:

So my last menses was feb xi. I took a pregnancy exam negative on march 12. I am getting centre burn down and cramping since march 1st but no period. Been nausea since and so too. What day can i become a blood test and what mean solar day can i take another pregnancy exam to see if i can become a postive

Marissa Henderson on March 05, 2018:

Hi and so Feb 11 I had my peroid and Friday and mon i got to pregnancy blood tests washed and they both didn't modify they both said less and then two.iv I demand to know what to do adjacent im suppose to start my menstruum March eleven I need advice

Emily on March 05, 2018:

So I had my menstruation terminal in January on the 24th and had intercourse everyday until the 4th of final month and from the 16 until the ii of this month and I still haven't had my period only spotted for 4 days lite . could I exist pregnant at present?

rossy on February 06, 2018:

From November I m not having my periods regularly last month I had unprotected sex activity with my partner I have tested after 10days of intimacy it shows negative?? Yet I get pregnant????

Ann on Jan 26, 2018:

I havent seen my period for like 2days now i went for a blood pregnancy test and it showed negative just my period hasnt come however...What will i do?

Katie on January 06, 2018:

I accept a pregnancy test at dwelling and the doctor information technology came back povsitive

Merely the md did a blood test and information technology came back negative.

JENN on December 27, 2017:

I HAD Sexual activity ON December tertiary, THE IUD WAS TAKEN OUT DEC quaternary AND GOT MY PERIOD ON DEC 6TH. CAN I STILL Go PREGANT FROM THE INTERCOURSE THAT TOOK PLACE ON Dec 3RD?

Samvia munir on December xvi, 2017:

My serum test positive what I do

celebrity on November 17, 2017:

i had unsafe sex activity 4days after my menstruation,my man pulled out

now my menses is little late and i took urine test twice its positive just am positive that i had no sperm in my V during terminal sex!i be feeling PMS syndromes for virtually 2weeks

i dubiousness these tests

QUESTION....hCG tin can exist detected few days before flow???

Star on November 05, 2017:

I had blood test done to get my birth control shot started upward cause i was a month late and had sex two days previous to blood test. Ive been really nauseous lately is at that place a adventure i could be meaning

i am Helen i got pregnant for v days carried out blood test but withal negative on Oct 27, 2017:

I am Helen I got pregnant for 5 days I carried out blood test but still negative

Lori ward on October 11, 2017:

I am wondering if I tin can be pregnant because I took a test and it was negative and I had some light blood and and so spoting so lite claret and the spoting again and now nothing is information technology to soon to accept a blood exam please permit me know

Xxxx on September 07, 2017:

I had my terminal period May 8th 17, i've had spotting twice, still not had a flow, i've washed about 8 home pregnancy tests all negative, the doctor has done 2 negative pregnancy tests, i've at present been sent for bloods to be done i'chiliad awaiting results. My stomache is jutting at present from the meridian of my stomache, my waist is disappearing and i'm constantly tired and desire to eat loads! I just needs to know if i am pregnant cos something is wrong?

Mary on September 04, 2017:

Hi, I had my periods on 23rd of August 2017,had unprotected sex on 28th of the aforementioned month and on 2nd of September, I and so took emergency pills on 3rd of September and had unprotected sex again the aforementioned day after taking the pills.

What are the possibilities, please assistance. Can I be pregnant?

My periods are not regular.

Special Kay on September 02, 2017:

I had intercourse on the 21st, 22nd, and the 28th of August. My period was due to come on the 29th of Baronial, but did not bear witness. I waited until August 30th to take a exam and information technology was instantly positive! I took a second one after in the 24-hour interval and it was too positive. Is it possible to accept a positive examination so soon?

Kayla on September 02, 2017:

I had sex activity on August the 7th. I then had a blood pregnancy test washed with qualities/quantitative serum done on August 13th and got a negative result. If the consequence were positive would information technology had of shown upwardly?

Xmen on June 25, 2017:

My Gf is scared whether she is meaning..her period is almost 2 months late. So we did a normal blood test.. Written report is not coming all the same.. And then I want to know if it can tell if she is significant or not??

DONT KNOW ANYMORE on May 29, 2017:

HI In that location

I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH PCOS, WENT ON CLOMID FOR 3 MONTHS, THIS WAS MY Terminal CYCLE, DID NOT Become THE USUAL SYMPTOMS OF PMS, SO STARTED TO WONDER, TOOK A HPT 6 DAYS Before MY Menstruum IS DUE, THE Examination GAVE A FEINT POSITIVE WITH FIRST Morning time URINE, TOOK ANOTHER ONE A FEW HOURS LATER, THAT WAS NEGATIVE, I WENT FOR A Claret Examination THE SAME Day IN THE AFTERNOON, Likewise NEGATIVE, SO COULD I STILL Exist Pregnant? PERIOD IS EXPECTED WEDNESDAY...

Peanut on May 21, 2017:

My wife has been spotting for a few days a light red and today she says honey why is it a lil darker that with a lil blood clot, I said I have know idea, and so I googled it and it said, if she is pregnant then it's the 1st trimester of being pregnant and don't be scared,she did go and get a claret exam similar a mean solar day ago or so, just waiting to hear back from the doctor's office

Larissa on Apr 27, 2017:

Hullo I went through an iui cycle through ivf I had the trigger and likewise pregnyl 3 times after getting inseminated I and then got my 2 week pregnancy test she said my levels were at ix so she can't so I'g not meaning because 5 and under means ur not pregnant but she thinks that my levels might b upwards a bit crusade if the medication I was on. Has anyone has this please allow me know

Annabel on February 07, 2017:

My Implannon was in 5 years besides long. I had a slight ii-3 day period before Christmas. Before that I was regular 28 days bar one calendar month before the 2-3 days I bled for 3wks. it's now February nd still no period I'm worried the 2-iii days was a bear witness. Done a exam two wks agone which was negetive four had a blood examination not checking for pregnancy nd the nurse said cypher. What's going on could I exist pregnant?

lexie on September 08, 2016:

so I'm 20 and i suspected i was pregnant, i did 2 drugstore tests which were negative (information technology was too early) and i went to the gynecologist today, she did a vaginal ultrasound and told me i seemed to be pregnant (that there was a lot of fluid which at that place usually is early in a pregnancy) and then she sent me to do a blood test just it came out negative. i'thousand very confused, i haven't gotten my period yet, could i be pregnant even though the test was negative? I'thousand just 2 days tardily on my period and the interaction happen at the tenth of August. Any help anyone? I though i would wait until I'one thousand vii-viii days tardily so go to an other gynecologist. could i be pregnant or..? tin can anyone assistance me out? i know that blood tests aren't too reliable when it'due south that early in a pregnancy because you dont accept enough of that hormone in your blood still correct? :/ please help I'k stressing out

Pequena on May 04, 2016:

I been feeling significant for well-nigh 2 months now. Symptoms: sore breasts, areolas darkened with pocket-size bumps, leakage when nipples are squeezed, dizziness, nauseas, no ambition, visible veins (arms, legs, breasts), headaches, tiredness, bloading, metallic taste, moodiness. Had bleeding lime periods for the passed 2 months. Had urine test and blood work done which all were negative. Saw the doctor and did blood work and tested my prolactin levels and my thyroid, also checked my pituitary gland for anedoma and everything is normal. I'm still having all the symptoms and I don't know what else to do or think. Can anyone help please

Neha on January 05, 2016:

I am 22 years old, and a pcos patient!

I had sexual activity with my boyfriend on 1st january 2016, I had an ipill after that!

Just nosotros had unprotected sex activity again ! I googled and chose non to swallow ipill once more!

How can I be certain of non beingness significant? Do I need to take a pregnancy exam?

elizabeth on Oct 26, 2015:

am 10 days to my menses,can blood examination observe if am pregnant?please whatsoever aid

Jenn on October 08, 2015:

Hi i had a question about claret test and pregnancy is it true that sometimes information technology wont even bear witness then until nigh a month to two months i ask crusade my terminal period was in aug. And i still havent had my period i had a blood test done an it was negitive is why im request

Carlota on October 03, 2015:

Hi im 4 days late iv taken ii hpt both negative im having a little dizziness lately and been having cramps should I go get a blood pregnancy test ??

Ivone on July 31, 2015:

Can hCG exist detected 3 days afterward ovulation? Is the 7 to 12 days after ovulation pretty authentic, as in cannot be detected sooner? I had a vaginal ultrasound and medico couldn't tell if i was meaning so she had me have a blood test, which came back negative. I ovulated around Tuesday (i took the habitation examination) and had intercourse days leading up to ovulation. That'due south why i inquire :)

Chrissy on June 01, 2015:

I have taken iii tests x dpo 13 dpo and fourteen dpo and all negative i had intercourse last thursday and started to spot on friday and mow its monday an i take still been only spotting some pink some brown som claret red and a few times with clots. Nosotros have not taken any more HPT im nervous and scared to .... My question is can information technology be my period if im just spotting and in that location is no blood flow.

vicky on May 28, 2015:

Hi im 10 weeks late with pcos...ive done pregnancy tests north come back negative....I had a hormone claret examination last week and got a deadline result today...Iive gotta look for phone consultation tomorrow to find out what information technology means.....could information technology mean im meaning? As ive been trying for over a twelvemonth.....

laurice on May 19, 2015:

Scared, I am older and now I am nine days late. Scared because I accept always wanted children. I accept been PG once ended with an ectopic pregnancy...HURT Beyond BELIEVE. Headed to dr. in an hr for blood test, don't want a negative result. Can't talk to anyone I know because I am tired of being disappointed. Praying for +++

kia on May 12, 2015:

Hi everyone I had my mirena removed last Friday and me and my swain had been very sexually active for the pad couple of days I accept been having lower cramps as well as beingness very sleepy. I took a pregnancy test it came back negative I an thinking that I might exist to early to tell. Whatsoever suggestions on why I am have these cramps? Are when to have another test?

lisa on May 06, 2015:

I simply found out i am pregnant. Took ii strop test and got claret work washed. All are positive. Just i am having a boring hurting on my, right lower back side. And under my correct rib.

Does antine know if this is normal?

steph on Apr 01, 2015:

Yes, but it could also exist your torso adjusting

Jordan Yates on March 30, 2015:

I've taken pregnancy test several times, I have hard and sore nipples , and white in the tips of them, I have a white discharge that I've seen on the internet it's a yeast infection but my friends who take been pregnant say that they only had a white belch during pregnancy and that a yeast infection is discolored. I accept taken three test all look to be negative the the virtually resent I have taken shows negative but if I tilt it or hold a low-cal under the exam at that place is a clear line, merely the other two test doesn't have the clear line under the light. I've had cramps and bloating feeling , and some nausea . I resentful had my nexplanon nascence command removed from my arm, the medico said I should accept a period in a couple days afterward it was removed merely it'southward been a month and I've had no period yet! Could I be pregnant?

NathaNater (author) on February 20, 2015:

Nicole, it might be a good idea to see a doctor and run into if y'all can take a blood exam washed; they are more accurate and reliable.

Nicole Franco on February 19, 2015:

I'grand 19 days late on my menstruation i have taken iii home tests and they are all negative i pee frequently and my chest are actually tender to the point to where i can't even lay on them i am a piffling worried

NathaNater (author) on Jan 14, 2015:

Good luck, Shai. Sounds hopeful. Hopefully your daughter will shortly take a blood brother or sister.

Shai on January xiv, 2015:

I've taken 9 first response pregnancy tests all showed a very faint positive I'm Supose to starting time my period in 3 days I accept a drs appt in ii days then I'm gonna have some other exam done when I become hopefully I am I have a iii year erstwhile daughter and she needs a brother or sis :) wish me luck

NathaNater (author) on January 06, 2015:

It is rubber to take the PPD test if you're pregnant and pregnancy will not bear on its results. Simply it is wise to consult a doctor and tell medical professionals that you lot recall you might be significant. Also, ane of the routine tests during pregnancy is a blood exam for rubella. Nonetheless, you cannot be immunized if it turns out you're pregnant considering it could hurt the baby. So, if you are talking about immunizations, you should non take them washed if y'all think y'all are pregnant.

If yous had implantation bleeding before and during your missed menses, that could be a sign that y'all are significant. The urine tests could be inaccurate, especially if you've had something to drink considering then the urine is diluted; information technology is best to have them in the morning before you've had annihilation to drinkable. The claret exam is much more than authentic, 99% accurate, because information technology can find the smallest traces of the pregnancy hormone.

beth on January 06, 2015:

Well I am confused considering I am late from my menses a week and ii days and I've taken two hpts and they were negative and went to planned parent hood had pee test information technology was negative but I truly believe I am pregnant only to early to testify I had what I think was implantation bleeding 3 days before my missed flow and some throughout when I was sup mail to go my period and its been a week since that should I get a blood test. And I am getting a new task and demand rubella and rubeolous and PPD done I don't know if that volition affect if I am pregnant

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