Home pregnancy tests are a good early indicator that you are pregnant. They are affordable, easy to use and readily available at retailers, chemists and supermarkets. But how do they work? And when used correctly what makes them so accurate?
How do pregnancy tests work?
The most common home pregnancy tests work by reading a sample of your urine, either by peeing on a stick or into a cup and then inserting a dipstick.
If you’re pregnant and the test is working properly, it’s highly likely that you will receive a positive reading, i.e. it will detect the hCG and indicate that you’re pregnant.
How this is indicated by the pregnancy test varies widely depending on the manufacturer, so read the instructions closely. Methods for indicating the results include dots, colours, stripes and digital readouts.
What do pregnancy tests detect?
Nearly all pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone in your blood or urine called human chorionic gonadotropin (thankfully called hCG for short). Because hCG is produced by your placenta, you will only produce it when you are pregnant. The placenta plays an important role in the support and development of a growing baby and will start to develop soon after conception.
For that reason, if you use a pregnancy test incorrectly or it’s faulty, it’s more likely the test will show a false negative rather than a false positive – although this can sometimes happen too. False negatives can occur if you use the test too early or your urine is diluted by other compounds.
When is the best time to take a pregnancy test?
Again, this could vary depending on the manufacturer. However, the most accurate readings are generally when you take a test a week after you have missed your expected period, early into the pregnancy. hCG production will have started earlier and should have built up in your body, allowing for a fairly accurate and reliable reading.
Are Home Pregnancy Tests Accurate?
No test can claim 100% accuracy, although many claim over 99%. Even if you have received a positive reading on your home test, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible to receive further confirmation.
Although a doctor might offer another urine test, they can also take a blood test – which will be more sensitive to hCG and therefore more accurate. Doctors’ tests can detect hCG as early as 11-14 days after conception.
What to Do When You Test Positive
Whether you are trying to fall pregnant or this has come as a surprise to you, it’s important to see a doctor early and receive confirmation. A doctor will help you determine the next best steps for your pregnancy. Pregnancy brings with it many lifestyle changes and choices, and the earlier you’re informed the better your health outcomes will be.
If you suspect that you’re pregnant, but tests have shown negative results, then visiting a doctor is also recommended. They will help you confirm whether the results are accurate and what you can do for both outcomes.