A few minutes later, the dipstick reveals the test result — often as a plus or a minus sign, one line or two lines, or the words "pregnant" or "not pregnant" on a strip or screen. Follow the test instructions for how long to wait before checking results — usually two or more minutes.
Most tests also have a control indicator — a line or symbol that appears in the result window. If the line or symbol doesn't appear, then the test isn't working properly. Try again with another test. Some home pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others. In other words, the amount of HCG needed to be detected in the urine to produce a positive test result is lower in some tests.
Always check the test's expiration date and read the instructions carefully before you take the test. Many home pregnancy tests claim to be 99 percent accurate. However, home pregnancy tests differ in the ability to diagnose pregnancy in women who have recently missed a period. If you have a negative test but think you might be pregnant, repeat the test one week after your missed period or talk to your health care provider.
Fertility drugs or other medications that contain HCG might interfere with home pregnancy test results. However, most medications, including antibiotics and birth control pills, don't affect the accuracy of home pregnancy tests. Although rare, it's possible to get a positive result from a home pregnancy test when you're not actually pregnant. This is known as a false-positive. A false-positive might happen if you had a pregnancy loss soon after the fertilized egg attached to your uterine lining biochemical pregnancy or you take a pregnancy test too soon after taking a fertility drug that contains HCG.
An ectopic pregnancy, menopause or problems with your ovaries also might contribute to misleading test results. It's possible to get a negative result from a home pregnancy test when you're actually pregnant. This is known as a false-negative. You might get a false-negative if you:. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you. This will help you avoid false negatives. If you're not already keeping a fertility calendar , proper pregnancy test timing is a good reason to start one. For example, if your cycles range from 30 to 36 days, the best time to take a test would be day 37 or later.
Something else to consider is whether you know if your period is even late. According to the FDA, out of every people, between 10 and 20 will not get a positive pregnancy test result on the day they think is just after their missed period, even if they are pregnant. Tests labeled for early pregnancy detection may be able to detect a pregnancy several days before your expected period.
However, the most accurate results come after your period is late. The time of day you take a pregnancy test does matter to a certain extent. This is especially true if your period is not yet late, or if your period is only a couple days late.
At-home pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin hCG in your urine. Unless you get up in the night to pee often or you drink water throughout the night , your urine is more concentrated when you first wake up. However, you can still take a pregnancy test in the middle of the day, or even at night. Depending on whether a positive pregnancy test would be good or bad news, symptoms like these may fill you with dread … or excitement. Many symptoms similar to pregnancy symptoms can be caused by other things, like a cold, the flu, or even a few nights of poor sleep.
Knowing how pregnancy tests work can help you understand when to take them. Pregnancy tests relay how urine reacts with a piece of paper that can detect the presence of hCG. Results are usually shown as a single or double line or a plus or minus sign. An at-home pregnancy test can't measure the exact amount of pregnancy hormone in your urine. What it can do is detect whether a minimum amount is present.
Getting a negative pregnancy test result doesn't mean your urine doesn't contain hCG. It just means it doesn't contain enough to trigger a positive result. These tests are more sensitive than standard tests but getting accurate results that early is more difficult simply because ovulation and implantation times can vary. If you have irregular periods, it can be even more difficult to know when might be an accurate time to try an early test.
If you're having fertility treatments , be aware that this may result in a false positive pregnancy test, especially those performed early. That's because pregnancy tests may detect the remains of fertility medications like Ovidrel, Pregnyl, or Novarel. If you expect your period on Wednesday, Thursday would be the day of your missed period. The accuracy of a test can depend on several variables:. Are you considering taking a test before your period is late? Consider the pros and cons before you do.
Let's say you want to take an early test, despite the possible downsides. Which test should you use? According to the research, the best early pregnancy test on the market now is the First Response Early Result, or, as it's sometimes abbreviated on fertility forums, the FRER. This is a manual test. However, according to a FDA comparison between the two, the results show the same accuracy. This pregnancy test has clearance from the FDA to say it can detect pregnancy hormones six days before your missed period.
That is five days before your period is due. There are plenty of early pregnancy tests on the market from which to choose. Which one is right for you may depend on factors like cost, result speed, and whether you prefer digital or paper tests. It is something to consider if you get a positive or negative result.
Your doctor may order a test, or you may be thinking about ordering one yourself. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional. Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available.
Ashley Lauretta is a journalist based in Austin, Texas. Select Region. United States. United Kingdom. Health family. Advertiser Disclosure. By Ashley Lauretta. Medically Reviewed Dr. Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations.
Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the Forbes Health Advisory Board. At-home Pregnancy Tests Find the most popular at-home pregnancy tests on Amazon. Compare Tests. Curious About Your Fertility?
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