If you suspect you are pregnant, there are a number of tests that will provide a result in less than a day. These pregnancy tests scan the urine for a hormone that indicates pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic recommends taking a quick-result test a week after your missed period. This window ensures that the level of hormone in your urine stream is sufficient for detection. Blood tests can detect pregnancy earlier, but the results take a few days.
Home Pregnancy Urine Stream Tests
A number of home pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. These tests are self-administered. The user places a stick into the urine stream. The stick tests for a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). WomansHealth.gov states that you can expect the results of this test within minutes. They suggest waiting ten minutes to review the test as this time window will provide the most accurate results.
Home Pregnancy Urine Collection Test
The American Pregnancy Association states that a urine collection test can also be purchased over-the-counter and administered at home. In this test, the user collects urine in a receptacle and then dips the test stick into the collected sample. These tests identify HGC and also give results within minutes. Like the urine stream tests, the urine collection test is 97-percent accurate when administered correctly.
Doctor-Administered Urine Test
WomansHealth.gov points out that you can also request a urine-based pregnancy test on a visit to your doctor. These tests also look for HCG in the urine stream and provide quick results. The doctor may follow a urine test with a more accurate blood test, but the blood specimen is sent to a lab and results typically take a few days.
