Pregnancy Tests

Pregnancy Tests: When a woman suspects she is pregnant, a common concern is when to take a pregnancy test and how effective the results are.  Here at COLFs, we want to provide you with the most accurate information regarding pregnancy tests.  There are three ways to determine pregnancy: at home tests, a blood test, and an ultrasound.   

Taking an at-home test is important in order to determine right away if you are pregnant or not. The best time to take an at-home test is when you know you have missed your menstrual cycle. Sometimes a woman’s cycle may be inconsistent. When this is the case, it is still important to take a test to find out right away if there is a chance of pregnancy.  The at-home tests measure the “HCG” hormone levels in a woman’s urine, and depending on how far along you are, the reading may not be accurate.  “HCG” stands for human chorionic gonadotropin which is a hormone produced by placenta after implantation.

Different brands and types of pregnancy tests all have different sensitivity levels and are not guaranteed to give you results. If a test is positive, it does not necessarily mean you have a positive intrauterine pregnancy. Schedule an appointment with COLFS Medical Clinic for a free pregnancy test to verify if you are pregnant.  

In order to confirm a pregnancy, we will ask you when the first day of your last menstrual cycle was. This is to determine how far along you may be and determine what kind of pregnancy test is most relevant for you.  Our medical staff will then schedule either an ultrasound or blood test to determine the viability of your pregnancy.  

For more information on the services COLFS Medical Clinic provides, including free pregnancy tests, click here or call (760) 741-1224.