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What is a home pregnancy test?
A home pregnancy test measures the presence of the hormone human
chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. HCG, which is a glycoprotein produced
by the placenta
shortly after the embryo attaches to the uterine lining, builds up rapidly
in your body in the first few days following implantation
. Usually hCG can be detected by a home pregnancy test 7 to 10 days
after ovulation occurs - a couple of days before your period is due.
When to test?
Home pregnancy tests are most accurate about 27 days after conception.
That is when a menstrual period is 10-13 days late. The home pregnancy tests sold in SSIS can provide accurate results as early as 6-15 days after conception.
Which brand?
There are many different brands of home pregnancy tests available. Which
brand you choose depends upon your preferences. Some brands are the
one-step type you urinate directly on, others are cassettes, which require
the use of a specimen cup. Each brand differs on the sensitivity ratings:
some you can test earlier than when your cycle is due, others you may
need to wait until the day after.
How do I use a home pregnancy test?
First, read the directions carefully, because the instructions will
vary with different brands. Some require you to urinate in a cup and
then, using a dropper, place a small sample into a testing well. Others
let you urinate directly onto a stick. But, fundamentally, all pregnancy
tests work the same way - they measure the amount of hCG in your body.
If you use a home pregnancy test you must follow the directions carefully
and correctly.
Are home pregnancy tests accurate?
If used perfectly, home pregnancy tests are 97 percent accurate. But
mistakes do happen, which is why some kits come with two tests.
Negative. There are several reasons why a home pregnancy
test may be negative: You may not be pregnant or your body may not
be producing a normal amount of hCG. If you test too early (before
the first day of your missed period), you may get a false negative
result because not enough of the hormone has built up in your system.
If the test comes back negative but you still suspect you're pregnant,
wait a few days, read the directions carefully, and try again. The
chances of receiving a false negative test result are greater than
that of a false positive.
Positive. Almost always means pregnant. False positives (says
pregnant when not) are very rare. Things that cause a false positive
include marijuana, aspirin, hormones, birth control pills, and soap
or protein in urine.
Where can I buy one?
Home pregnancy tests may be purchased without a prescription at most
drugstores. They run between $8 and $12. SSIS sells Pregnancy
Tests in sets of three tests for $4.
Tips On Testing
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However eager you are to find out if you are pregnant,
try to wait until the next morning to get a sample of your urine.
The first urine in the morning gives the most reliable results.
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Read instructions carefully and perform them correctly
in order to gain the most accurate results.
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Use a timer or have a watch on hand to make sure
you wait for the required number of minutes before looking for results.
After taking a urine sample, make sure you cover the container,
to prevent contamination. -
Make sure your hands and any container you use
to perform the test are clean. Never reuse containers if you are
retesting.
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While waiting, put the test kit in a safe place
away from heat and risk of contamination.
If you continue to have questions concerning whether
you are pregnant contact your doctor or other medical professional for
an examination.
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