I'm dealing with a boil on my foot that's now swollen, and I'm wondering if it will heal on its own or if I should see a doctor. Can you help me figure out what to do?
Home Pregnancy Test vs. Blood Test
_Home Pregnancy Test (HPT)_
1. _Sensitive and accurate_: Modern HPTs are highly sensitive and accurate, detecting pregnancy hormone (hCG) levels as low as 20-50 mIUmL.
2. _Quick results_: HPTs provide rapid results, usually within 1-5 minutes.
_Blood Test for Pregnancy_
1. _More sensitive_: Blood tests can detect hCG levels as low as 5-10 mIUmL, making them more sensitive than HPTs.
2. _Quantitative results_: Blood tests provide quantitative results, measuring the exact level of hCG in the blood.
3. _Confirming pregnancy_: Blood tests can confirm pregnancy and detect potential issues, such as ectopic pregnancy.
_Necessity of Blood Test_
1. _Not always necessary_: If you've received a positive result from an HPT, a blood test may not be necessary.
2. _Exceptions_: However, if you're experiencing symptoms like bleeding, abdominal pain, or have a history of miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies, a blood test may be recommended.
_Consult a Healthcare Provider_
1. _Verify pregnancy_: Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm pregnancy and discuss next steps.
2. _Prenatal care_: Begin prenatal care to ensure a healthy pregnancy.