Home pregnancy tests detect the presence of the hormone hCG (chorionic gonadotropin) in the woman's urine. Known as the pregnancy hormone, hCG is found only and exclusively in the body of a pregnant woman. Pregnancy tests are available in almost all supermarkets and even online. Read this guide to find out how to use it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Before Taking the Test
Step 1. Buy a home test
There are several brands on the market, so it doesn't matter which one you choose. All home pregnancy tests work the same way - they intercept hCG in the urine. When purchasing the test, check the expiration date on the package and make sure the box is intact, with no tears or dents that could affect the result. Choose a brand that has two sticks in the box, especially if the test you want to do is early. This way you can wait a couple of weeks before trying again in case of a negative result.
- Some experts argue that it is better to buy the test in large retailers where there is a constant change, this way you will have a better chance of buying a new test instead of one that has been on the shelf for months. Similarly, if you have kept the test at home for several months, it may be best to throw it away and get a new one, especially if you have stored it in a warm or humid place, two factors that can affect the result.
- Some brands claim that they can accurately report pregnancy on the day you missed your period or even earlier. It is true that some tests are susceptible enough to detect the highest levels of hCG, but the pregnancy may be too early and your body may not be producing enough of it yet. In this case you would have a negative result even if you are actually pregnant.
- Many generic supermarket brands are produced by a single company with the same technology. So don't worry about quality if you're looking to save money.
Step 2. Think about when to take the test
Most experts recommend that you wait at least a day before your expected period before taking the test at home, although it's best to let a full week go by. It can be difficult if you are anxious to find out, but waiting ensures that hCG levels rise and guarantees a true result.
- HCG develops in a woman only after the fertilized egg has implanted in the uterus. Implantation usually takes place around the sixth day after the sperm meets the egg. That's why home tests won't find any hCG if you do it too soon.
- Better to get tested early in the morning when urine is concentrated and hormone levels are high.
Step 3. Read the instructions carefully
Even if most of the tests are the same, it is important to follow the instructions. There may be specifics for each test, such as the method of urine collection, the length of time the urine must stay in contact with the stick, etc.
- Better to familiarize yourself with the symbols first of all: you don't want to get anxious about leafing through the instructions as soon as the result comes.
- There should be a toll-free number to call if you have any questions or concerns about how to take the test.
Step 4. Get ready
Taking a home pregnancy test can be stressful, especially if you're anxious to get a certain result rather than another. Do this in privacy by giving yourself all the time you need, or call your partner or friend to stay outside the door to talk to you. Wash your hands with warm soapy water then remove the stick from the plastic.
Part 2 of 2: Taking the Test
Step 1. Ready, set, go
Sit on the toilet and pee directly on the stick or glass included in the package, depending on the type of test. You should use a urine sample by taking it from the stream, i.e. first let it go down a little, then collect it.
- If you need to urinate directly on the stick, be sure to follow the instructions correctly. With some tests, you will have to do this for a specific time, for example 5 seconds, no more, no less. Use a stopwatch to help you.
- In this case, make sure you have the absorbent part directly in contact with the pee and turn it so that the window is facing up.
Step 2. Use the dropper if you need to pour some pee on the test
This is usually done with the tests that have the glass. Pour the urine up to the indicated level. Alternatively, some brands require you to insert the absorbent part of the test into the collected urine. Hold it for 5 to 10 seconds, or for as long as the instructions require.
Step 3. Wait
Place the test on a clean washable surface with the window facing up. Wait, usually between 1 and 5 minutes - although some tests take up to 10 for an accurate result. Read the instructions to find out how much.
- Try not to stare at the stick all the time, or the minutes will seem to stop and you will become even more anxious. Do something to distract yourself such as having a cup of tea, some stretching or some exercise.
- Some sticks have a timer symbol to show that the test is progressing. If yours is also like this but nothing appears on the screen, it is likely that the test is not working properly and you need to use a different one.
Step 4. Check the results
Once the reported time has passed, check the result. The symbols used to indicate whether you are pregnant or not may vary from test to test, so read the instructions again if you are unsure. Most tests use a + or - sign, color code, or the word "pregnant" or "not pregnant" on a digital display.
- Sometimes a line or symbol will faintly appear on the display. If it happens, still consider it a positive result because it indicates that the test found the hCG hormone in the urine. False positives are very rare.
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If the result is positive:
you should make a doctor's appointment to confirm. A blood test is usually done in this case.
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If the result is negative:
wait another week and if you haven't had your period yet, repeat the test. False negatives are quite common, especially if you get your ovulation date wrong and take the test too early. This is why many home tests have two sticks. If the second test is negative, make a doctor's appointment and find out if there are any problems that may have blocked your period or caused pregnancy symptoms.
Advice
Avoid drinking too much before taking the test, as this will dilute your urine and may result in a false negative
Warnings
- Absence of periods, weight gain, nausea and other symptoms commonly associated with pregnancy could also be other serious physical problems that need to be treated. Don't ignore them by basing your results only on home testing - go to the doctor.
- Although they are rare, false positives happen from time to time. They are more likely if you have had a chemical pregnancy (when the fertilized egg does not develop), if you have had treatments that contained hCG, or if you have used an expired or malfunctioning test.
