Home pregnancy tests are accurate if you follow the instructions correctly.
A positive test result is almost certainly correct. However, a negative test result is less reliable. The result may not be reliable if you:
- Don’t follow the instructions to the letter
- Take the test too quickly
Some medications (see below) can also affect the results.
You can purchase home pregnancy tests over-the-counter at most chemists and many large super markets.
Carrying out a test
When you first get pregnant, your body produces large quantities of the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). Home pregnancy tests detect HCG in your urine.
Make sure you understand and have carefully read the instructions before you carry out the test, because pregnancy tests use different methods and in many cases, they show the results differently.
Urine samples can be done from the 1st day of your missed period. If your periods are irregular, it might not be all that clear when this is.
Check the details to ensure you can have the test at any time of day. Try not to drink a lot before taking the test because it can dilute the level of HCG in your urine.
Positive test results
If the test result is positive, you’re almost certainly pregnant. You should contact your GP as soon as possible. Because home pregnancy tests are so accurate, they may not repeat the test.
If you want to continue with your pregnancy, a healthcare professional can organise your antenatal care.
Negative test results
If the test result is negative, you may not be pregnant. However, negative results are less reliable. For example, if you do a pregnancy test too early, you could be pregnant, but there may not be enough HCG in your body to give a positive test result.
Pregnancy tests can vary in their sensitivity (how soon they can detect HCG and what level of HCG needs to be present). Usually you'll be able to find information on the packet about how sensitive your test is.
If you still think you’re pregnant after a negative result, wait a week and try again or see your GP.
A positive test result is almost certainly correct. However, a negative test result is less reliable. The result may not be reliable if you:
- Don’t follow the instructions to the letter
- Take the test too quickly
Some medications (see below) can also affect the results.
You can purchase home pregnancy tests over-the-counter at most chemists and many large super markets.
Carrying out a test
When you first get pregnant, your body produces large quantities of the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). Home pregnancy tests detect HCG in your urine.
Make sure you understand and have carefully read the instructions before you carry out the test, because pregnancy tests use different methods and in many cases, they show the results differently.
Urine samples can be done from the 1st day of your missed period. If your periods are irregular, it might not be all that clear when this is.
Check the details to ensure you can have the test at any time of day. Try not to drink a lot before taking the test because it can dilute the level of HCG in your urine.
Positive test results
If the test result is positive, you’re almost certainly pregnant. You should contact your GP as soon as possible. Because home pregnancy tests are so accurate, they may not repeat the test.
If you want to continue with your pregnancy, a healthcare professional can organise your antenatal care.
Negative test results
If the test result is negative, you may not be pregnant. However, negative results are less reliable. For example, if you do a pregnancy test too early, you could be pregnant, but there may not be enough HCG in your body to give a positive test result.
Pregnancy tests can vary in their sensitivity (how soon they can detect HCG and what level of HCG needs to be present). Usually you'll be able to find information on the packet about how sensitive your test is.
If you still think you’re pregnant after a negative result, wait a week and try again or see your GP.
About the Author:
Mindful Mum - online resources for mums including help in choosing baby names to guides about implantation bleeding
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