A patient has come in for a follow-up visit after reporting a positive home pregnancy test. What is the BEST next step to confirm the patient's pregnancy status in the clinical setting?
Perform a urine-based laboratory pregnancy test
Advise the patient to take another home pregnancy test
Schedule a blood test to measure HCG quantitative levels
Urine-based laboratory pregnancy tests are more accurate than home tests and can confirm the presence of the hormone HCG, which is produced during pregnancy. Although blood tests can also detect HCG and determine the approximate age of the fetus, in most routine clinical confirmations of pregnancy, a urine-based laboratory test is sufficient, non-invasive, and cost-effective. Blood tests are typically used for more detailed assessment and monitoring once pregnancy is established. Ultrasound is not the best initial confirmation method but is later used to assess fetal development.
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