Pregnancy tests measure for human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG, a hormone that elevates quickly after conception and is present throughout pregnancy. Every 48 hours post-conception, the level of HCG in your blood doubles, indicating pregnancy. Qualitative pregnancy tests, including home pregnancy tests, assess the presence of HCG, but don't determine the exact quantity of it. Negative results indicate an HCG level less than 25 mIU/mL. Learning the correct way to take a pregnancy test and how to read its results ensures peace of mind and increases your chance of accurate results.
Step 1
Read the instructions on the pregnancy box thoroughly. Some early pregnancy tests may provide results as soon as six days before your missed period date, while others require that you wait until after your miss your period. Schedule to take the test on the appropriate date and wait for a week after your missed period for the most accurate results. If you take it too early, you may be pregnant and get a negative response, because your HCG level has not had time to increase. Check the box's expiration date and buy a new test if it is past the indicated date.
Step 2
Follow the box's directions for taking the test. Most will tell you to place the pregnancy test's stick in your urine flow for five to 15 seconds or place it in a cup of your urine for five to 15 seconds. Do the test in the morning when your HCG level tends to be the highest; this may make it easier to read your results.
Step 3
Wait the instructed time and evaluate the stick's results. The box's instructions will indicate the symbols that reveal a positive or negative result. Some tests will produce two lines, rather than one if you are pregnant while a plus sign, rather than a minus sign, indicates pregnancy on others. The brightness or color of the second line or pregnancy indicator does not matter; a faint line or barely perceptible line indicates levels of HCG associated with pregnancy.
Step 4
Take another test in a few days if you receive negative results, but think that you may be pregnant. Ovulation and the implantation of a fertilized egg occurs during different periods of the month for different women. According to the National Women's Health Information Center, 10 percent of women don't experience implantation until a day after their missed period. HCG levels do not increase until after implantation.
Step 5
Call your doctor if your test yields a positive result. Set up a quantitative blood test to determine your exact HCG level and to confirm pregnancy.
Tips and Warnings
- Certain medications that contain HCG may affect your test results. Examples of medications include Profasi and Pergonal, two fertility drugs. Contact your doctor for a blood test if you take these medications.
Things You'll Need
- Home pregnancy test
