Written by

Sarah Noel

January 29, 2024

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

Pregnancy test cost

An at-home pregnancy test with urine costs $1 to $4 per testing strip. A pregnancy blood test costs $20 to $60 per kit for basic tests that give quick results. Pregnancy test prices are $60 to $250 for mailing a blood sample to a lab for an in-depth prenatal report.

Pregnancy test price by type

Pregnancy test prices start at $1 to $4 each. Pregnancy test fees vary according to the type and the amount of detail in the results you get. Higher fees apply for test analysis at a lab with a full report of multiple hormone levels and additional health diagnostics.

Urine pregnancy test

A basic urine pregnancy test costs $1 to $4 each. Prices are $5 to $8 each for digital models of urine pregnancy tests. Digital pregnancy tests have batteries and thus cost more than standard urine pregnancy tests. Cheaper prices are available if you buy larger packs of tests.

These at-home pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter in all pharmacies and most general stores. This type is the most common and has accuracy levels almost as high as blood tests, depending on the brand.

Blood pregnancy test

A qualitative at-home pregnancy blood test costs $20 to $60 each with a finger-prick kit that shows results within minutes. This test detects elevated levels of HCG pregnancy hormone. Blood tests won't change according to fluid intake, and you can test for pregnancy earlier than you can with urine tests.

• A quantitative blood pregnancy test costs $60 to $250 each for mailing a blood sample to a lab for a detailed analysis of hormone levels and results.

• A thorough non-invasive prenatal blood test costs $250 to $1,000 each to confirm pregnancy, check for genetic abnormalities, and sometimes determine the sex of the fetus. Prices are higher for tests that also determine the paternity probability.

Free pregnancy test

Additional assistance is available for those with limited access to pregnancy testing, support, and health counseling.

You can get a free pregnancy test at places like:

• The local city health department or walk-in clinics

• Planned Parenthood centers

• United Way or YMCA community non-profit groups

• Medicaid clinics

• College campus health centers

• Adoption services groups

• Crisis pregnancy help centers (often affiliated with religious groups)

Pregnancy test results

Results of a pregnancy test may appear as a line, number, color, symbol, or even words like "pregnant" or "not pregnant." Read the instructions carefully before you perform the test to confirm you're doing it correctly and know what to look for.

You can see a variety of results depending on the test type:

• Control window – If the test kit has 2 result windows, then one of them is typically a control indicator to prove the test is working. If nothing appears in the control window after 5 to 10 minutes, then discard the test because it's faulty.

• Positive result – You are likely pregnant if you see a "+" symbol, 2 lines, the word "pregnant," or a number from 1 to 3 indicating how many weeks ago conception occurred. Even if the line or sign is faint, you should consider it as a positive result.

• False positives – Certain conditions can give you a positive test result even if you aren't pregnant, such as:

  • Blood or protein in urine

  • Waiting more than 10 minutes to check the result

  • Certain medications like tranquilizers or anticonvulsants

  • A recent miscarriage, or fertility drugs

  • Injections of fertility drugs with HCG hormones

  • Ovarian cysts

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Kidney disease

  • Menopause

  • Ectopic pregnancy (implantation in the fallopian tubes)

  • Incomplete (chemical only) pregnancy without implantation

• Negative result – Typically you're not pregnant if you see a "–" symbol, 1 line only, the words "not pregnant," or no numbers indicating the number of weeks since conception.

• False Negatives – You can get a negative test result even if you are pregnant when:

  • You tested too soon to detect enough HCG hormone.

  • Not enough urine or blood went into the test.

  • The test has expired.

  • Urine is too diluted due to excessive fluid intake.

  • You're taking certain medications like diuretics or antihistamines.

• Differing Results – If two tests give conflicting results, contact your doctor. A blood test or ultrasound can confirm pregnancy.

• Faint Line – Early pregnancy with low hormone levels can produce a lighter color or weaker test result. Some tests might also naturally have fainter lines. Consult your doctor for confirmation or wait a week and test again to check for a stronger result.

• Evaporation Line – This colorless streak appears if the test is read after too long or gets wet, and it doesn’t indicate pregnancy. Retest for clarity.

What symptoms might indicate that you're pregnant?

Indications that you could be pregnant commonly include these symptoms:

• More urination than normal

• Swollen or tender breasts

• More than 26 to 30 days since your last period

• Unusual sleepiness or insomnia

• Nausea and unexplainable upset stomach

• Spotting

• Mild abdominal cramps

• Heightened feelings of emotional vulnerability

• Bloating

• Odd changes in your senses of taste and smell

• Changes in your skin (acne, stretch marks, etc.)

• Dizziness, headaches, and congestion

What do I do after a positive pregnancy test?

After you get a positive pregnancy test result, you should see a doctor to plan prenatal healthcare. A doctor is necessary to confirm how far into the pregnancy you are with an ultrasound that checks the growth of the embryo.

For additional pregnancy assistance:

• Visit a Planned Parenthood facility to discuss your health and options.

• Check your health insurance to see how much coverage you have for prenatal care or pregnancy complications.

• Talk to a healthcare provider or doctor about supplements to take and which habits like drinking or smoking are harmful when pregnant.

Pregnancy test FAQs

What is a pregnancy test?

A pregnancy test works by detecting the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or the "pregnancy hormone" in the blood or urine. This hormone is responsible for guiding the healthy functioning of the uterus to sustain a pregnancy.

When do I take a pregnancy test?

You can take a pregnancy test as early as 10 days after conception. Other tests more commonly require you to wait 3 to 6 days before your expected period. For the most accurate results, take the test after your period is overdue.

How accurate are pregnancy tests?

At-home pregnancy tests are typically 99% accurate when used correctly, and blood tests are even more precise. Follow all the included directions and don't use a test after its expiration date.

Which is the best pregnancy test?

The best pregnancy test varies according to individual preferences. Brands such as Clearblue and First Response are often a top choice due to their dependability and longstanding reputation.

How long does a pregnancy test take before showing results?

Most pregnancy tests take 1 to 5 minutes before showing the final result. Any other results that may appear after 10 minutes or much longer afterward aren't valid results. For example, evaporation lines can alter test results after 10 minutes.

Does insurance cover pregnancy tests?

Most private insurance policies provide coverage for both urine and blood pregnancy tests. Some may also include ultrasounds for further verification. However, there can be associated out-of-pocket costs, and most Medicare plans have deductibles you must pay first.

• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers all medically necessary clinical diagnostic laboratory testing if your doctor orders it to determine if you're pregnant. This coverage also includes outpatient care and checkups.

• Original Medicare Part A hospital insurance covers all pregnancy care and testing received in the hospital.

• Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) includes all the coverage from both Plans A and B, plus some prescriptions for health supplements.

Where can I get a pregnancy test?

You can buy a pregnancy test at:

• Most local pharmacies

• Drugstores or medical supply outlets

• Grocery stores

• Convenience shops

• Wholesale shopping superstore outlets

• Employer-sponsored healthcare FSA stores

• Online stores like Amazon