The first thing a woman who suspects she is pregnant should do is to take a pregnancy test. With different options available to women, it is often hard to determine whether to take a urine test or a blood test. Knowing the difference between the different types of pregnancy tests will help you to select the proper one at the appropriate time.
In this blog, we will review urine and blood pregnancy tests in Nepal, discuss how accurate each test is, and help you decide which type of test would be best for you. Additionally, we will provide useful information and insights about pregnancy testing in Nepal, and provide some insight on testing in Kathmandu.
What is a Pregnancy Test?
A pregnancy test detects hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced when a fertilized egg becomes embedded in a woman’s uterine wall.
Pregnancy tests can be divided into two categories:
- Urine Pregnancy Tests
- Blood Pregnancy Tests
The purpose of both urine and blood pregnancy testing is to detect the same hormone (hCG), but the results of urine and blood testing vary in terms of accuracy, the timing of when you can take the test, and the method of taking the test.
Pregnancy Testing using Urine in Nepal
An Urine Pregnancy Test looks for the presence of hormone, hCG in urine. Urine Pregnancy tests can be carried out using an at-home pregnancy test kit or in clinics and pharmacies around Nepal.
Pros of Urine Pregnancy Testing
- Readily available in pharmacies in Nepal.
- Can be performed at home.
- Affordable and quick.
- Results available in 5-10 minutes.
- Doctor visits are not required.
Cons of Urine Pregnancy Testing
- Less sensitive for those who may be pregnant early on.
- May come back as a false negative for those who test too early.
- Only as accurate as the test is done correctly.
- Best if performed after a missed period.
Urine Pregnancy Tests are popular in Nepal due to their easy access and lower cost.
Pregnancy Testing using Blood in Nepal
Blood Pregnancy Tests measure an exact amount of hormone, hCG that is found in the bloodstream. They are done in a lab or hospital.
Types of Blood Tests
- Qualitative hCG test – Generally confirms if you are pregnant or not.
- Quantitative hCG test (Beta hCG) – Measures the level of hormone in your blood.
Pros of Blood Pregnancy Testing
- Very accurate pregnancy tests.
- Can detect pregnancy before urine tests.
- Can measure hormone levels with precision.
- Helpful to track pregnancy progress.
- Helpful in determining if there are any issues with pregnancy.
Cons of Blood Pregnancy Testing
- More expensive than a urine pregnancy test.
- Requires being seen at the lab or hospital to have blood drawn.
- Results can take from several hours to a day to receive.
Which Pregnancy Test Is More Accurate?
Blood Pregnancy Tests are generally used after a medical provider knows that someone may be pregnant.
In Nepal, which pregnancy test is more accurate-- urine or blood? The blood pregnancy test is definitely more accurate than an urine pregnancy test when measuring the presence of HCG (the hormone released during pregnancy) but this does not mean the urine test is not reliable; it is approximately 97% to 99%.
So when is it best to take a pregnancy test?
Timing will have a significant effect on how accurate the test results are.
When you are taking a urine pregnancy test, it is most accurate if taken 5 to 7 days after a missed period. If you are testing for a pregnancy using a blood test, it can be taken as early as 6 to 8 days after ovulation; generally, blood testing is considered better for early pregnancy tests.
In both cases, testing before the proper time can lead to false negative results.
How Much Do Pregnancy Tests Cost in Nepal?
Pregnancy test costs can vary widely based on the type of test and where you purchase it.
Urine pregnancy test prices:
Home test: NPR 100 to NPR 300
Clinically-administered: NPR 200 to NPR 500
Blood pregnancy test prices: Beta hCG test: NPR 800 to NPR 2000
You can find both urine and blood pregnancy testing services at most diagnostic centers and hospitals throughout Kathmandu, and the results come back quickly.
Final Thoughts:
Pregnancy tests using urine and blood in Nepal are both regular ways of checking to see if you are pregnant. Although both testing methods, there is a difference in how the tests are used, such as a urine test would be considered more practical and less expensive and would work better after missing a period compared to a blood test which can be used prior to a missed period with a high degree of accuracy.
If you are searching for a great pregnancy test in Kathmandu, you may want to check out the various clinical laboratories available where you can find a variety of pregnancy tests from both urine and blood tests. Urine test kits are ideal for simple, rapid and private testing; while blood testing has the advantage of being able to confirm a pregnancy at an earlier date as well as help with medical verification.
In conclusion, urine test kits are readily available and when necessary, confirm with a blood test to verify a pregnancy








