How to Perform an Early Pregnancy Test

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

If you have had unprotected sex, you will probably want to know as soon as possible whether you are pregnant or not, regardless of whether you are trying to have a baby or are hoping the test is negative. Thankfully, pregnancy tests are available at the pharmacy. Obviously, it is important to use them correctly to obtain a reliable result. You need to know when to test, how to use it, and how to interpret the results.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Knowing When to Buy and Use the Test

Step 1. To get a reliable result, you should take the test on the day your period is due

You could do it up to five days earlier, but you would get some inaccurate data. Absence of menstruation is usually a sign of possible pregnancy.

Ovulation usually occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle.
Most women ovulate between the 11th and 21st day of their period.
During this fertile period, it is possible to become pregnant with unprotected intercourse or if contraceptive methods do not work properly.
Usually, the absence or delay of menstruation is an indicator of pregnancy, although there may be other reasons (stress, hormonal changes, illnesses, and so on).
If the test is performed on the day your period should begin, 99% accurate.

Step 2. Try not to take the exam too soon

If you run it before the recommended time, you may get a false negative.

The pregnancy test relies on measuring a certain hormone (HcG), so timing is important.
This hormone is only present when the egg has been fertilized and implanted in the uterine lining.
Traces of HcG can be found in the urine after conception, but levels are very low at first.
If you test too early, the concentration of this hormone may not reach the minimum level for the meter to detect its presence.
Try not to do this before the day your period should begin, if possible.

Step 3. Do it first thing in the morning

The time you take the exam may affect the result.

Most pregnancy tests should be used when urinating in the morning.
The reason for this instruction is that morning urine is highly concentrated and may contain larger amounts of HcG.
This reduces the likelihood of false negatives, which are more common if you test later in the day.
You can get false negative results when you drink lots of fluids throughout the day and your urine is diluted as a result.

Step 4. Choose which test to use

There are two types of home pregnancy tests that analyze urine. The first uses simple lines to signal the presence of the fertilized and implanted egg, the second instead shows a symbol or the words "pregnant" or "not pregnant" on a digital display.

They both have the same accuracy rate, so the choice is just a matter of personal preference.
While they are easier to interpret, digital tests are also more expensive.
There are usually two tests in each pack.

Step 5. Before using it, check both the test and the box

Each pack contains just two sticks, so it should be enough for most women.

It is very important to check that the box is sealed and that there are no signs of damage, otherwise you may get skewed results.
You should also check the expiration date, which is printed on the package, and verify that the test has not been on display on the shelf for too long. Both of these factors can change the reliability of the product.
If the package is damaged or the test has expired, purchase a new one.

Part 2 of 3: Run the Test

Step 1. Unpack it individually

When you are ready to undergo the test, open the box and remove a stick from the sealed plastic package. Each stick is packaged separately.

You will need to remove the wrapping before using the product.
Many women open the package completely and place it on a surface to later place the used stick on it while waiting for the result to appear.
If you wish, however, you can discard the wrapping.

Step 2. Remove the cap from the stick when you are sitting on the toilet

This type of test has a tip protected by a cap.

You should remove the cap after sitting on the toilet, this way you are not forced to place the stick open on any surface with the risk of contaminating it.
Once the protector is removed, be careful not to put the stick down again. If it gets dirty, you will contaminate the tip that detects the presence of HcG and you will get inaccurate results.
Save the cap for later use. If you want to show the test to your partner, it should be closed again for hygiene reasons.

Step 3. Let the urine flow over the tip of the stick that was located under the cap

This end will absorb the urine.

This tip must be held under the flow of pee for at least five seconds (or for the time indicated in the instructions) to ensure that the test is working properly.
As an alternative to this method, you can collect some urine in a plastic cup and dip the tip of the stick for 5 seconds (or for the time indicated in the instructions).
When choosing this second technique, it is best to leave the test tip in the urine for about 20 seconds.
If you have used the glass, remember to dispose of it properly.

Step 4. Lay the stick horizontally

Make sure that the urine-soaked tip does not come into contact with other objects; you should place the test on its wrapping or flat surface.

The stick is constructed in such a way that, once placed on a flat surface, the tip does not come into contact with the support base.
If you reuse the original wrapping, keep the absorbent tip from touching other objects.
Alternatively, you can put the cap back on the tip.

Step 5. Wait for the result to appear

The next few minutes could be very nerve-wracking. Take a deep breath and try to relax.

It may take two to ten minutes of waiting for the results to appear.
Some women find it easier, emotionally, to set a timer and walk away from the stick.
When the results appear, you will need to interpret them. This step is especially important for non-digital models.

Part 3 of 3: Interpreting the Results

Step 1. If you have purchased a digital product, read the result directly on the stick

The words "pregnant" or "not pregnant" should appear on a small display.

Results typically appear within three minutes.
These models provide simpler results to interpret, but are more expensive than those using regular lines.
While waiting, an hourglass may appear on the display.
The hourglass symbol usually flashes to indicate that the stick is "at work".
When it stops flashing, the result should appear.

Step 2. Evaluate the response of a line test

Models that use line indicators are slightly more complex to understand.

These have two small windows on one side of the stick.
The square window shows a single line after 10 minutes and simply indicates that the test was conducted correctly.
The other window is round and is the one that reveals whether the test is positive or negative.
If you are not expecting a baby, the round window will have only one line.
If the test is positive and you are pregnant, two perpendicular lines will appear forming the "+" sign.
The fact that one line is darker than the other is irrelevant to the test as long as a cross is visible.

Step 3. Remember that a negative result could be false

You may get a false negative result if you take the test too soon.

If you want to confirm that you are not pregnant, wait a few days and then use the second stick in the package.
Instead of using the second test, you can wait for your next period to arrive.
If the test fails even if you haven't had your period twice in a row, contact your gynecologist.

Step 4. What to do if nothing appears inside the control window?

If you don't see any lines after ten minutes, check the instructions on the test package to make sure you have followed all the steps correctly.

If you are concerned that you have made a mistake, you can use the second stick in the box and repeat the test trying to be more careful.
If you do not get results even with the second stick, contact the manufacturer as the test may have some defects.
If you have this type of problem, call the manufacturer and ask for another test to be sent to you.