Home pregnancy tests can detect the presence of the human chorionic gonadotropin in a woman's urine.The pregnancy hormone is only found in pregnant women.Most drug stores and online offer home pregnancy tests.There is a step-by-step guide to using home pregnancy tests.
Step 1: There is a possibility that this is not the case.
There are many different brands of home pregnancy tests on the market, but it doesn't really matter which you choose.All home pregnancy tests work the same way.If you purchase a pregnancy test, make sure the box is intact and free of wear and tear, as this could affect your result.If you're planning on testing early, get a brand that provides two test sticks in the box.If you get a negative result, you can wait a week before trying again.Some experts recommend buying a pregnancy test from a large store that has a high turnover so that you are more likely to get a newer test, rather than one that is sitting on a shelf for months.If you've had a pregnancy test lying around at home for several months, it's a good idea to throw it out and get a new one, as this can affect the results of the test.Some brands claim to be able to detect a baby on the day of your missed period.It's true that the tests can pick up on higher levels of hCG in your urine, but it may be too early in the pregnancy for your body to produce more of the drug.Even though you might be pregnant, you run the risk of getting a negative result.Many of the generic brand drugstore pregnancy tests use the same technology as the big name brands.If you're trying to save money, don't worry about the quality of the generic brands.
Step 2: It's a good idea to figure out when to take the test.
The best time to take a home pregnancy test is a week after your missed period, according to most experts.When you are anxious to find out if you're pregnant, waiting allows for a higher degree of accuracy when taking the test, as the levels of hCG in pregnant women rise rapidly.A fertilized egg implants in a woman's uterus.On the 6th day after the sperm and egg have merged, implantation of the fertilized egg occurs.If you take the test too early, it will not pick up on any hCG, even if you are pregnant.The best time to do the home pregnancy test is in the morning when your urine is the most concentrated.If you have irregular periods, you should wait 3 weeks after sex to take a pregnancy test.Most tests will work after 2 weeks if you are in a hurry.
Step 3: Carefully read the instructions.
It is important to follow manufacturers' instructions when using a home urine test.Specifics may vary for each test, such as the method of collecting the urine, the length of time you need to urinate on the stick for and the symbols used to indicate whether you're pregnant or not.You don't want to be rushed for instructions when the test throws up its results, so it's better to know the symbols used in advance.If you have a question about the method of taking the test or the product itself, you can call a toll-free number on the box or instructions.
Step 4: Prepare yourself.
Taking a home pregnancy can be nerve-racking, especially if you're hoping for one result or the other.Take the test privately and give yourself as much time as you need, or have your partner or a close friend stand outside the bathroom door to talk you through it.Carefully remove the testing stick from its wrapper after washing your hands with warm water and soap.
Step 5: Go, ready, set!
Depending on the type of test, you can either urinate on a testing stick or into a small plastic cup.If you want to collect urine in the cup or insert the stick, you should pee a little first.Follow the instructions carefully if you need to urinate directly on the stick.You need to urinate on the stick for a specific time with some tests.If necessary, use a stopwatch.Put the absorbent end of the stick into the urine stream so that the display window faces upwards.
Step 6: Put a small amount of urine on the test stick with the dropper.
Only the plastic cup method requires this.Drop the urine into the well.Some brands require you to dip the absorbent end of the test stick into the urine.For the amount of time indicated in the instructions, hold it there for 5 to 10 seconds.
Step 7: Wait for the amount of time to be stated.
The test stick should be placed on a level surface with the window facing up.Wait time is usually between 1 to 5 minutes, but some tests can take up to 10 minutes to complete.You can find the required amount of time by looking at the instructions.You will become even more anxious if you stare at the stick for the duration of the waiting period.Making a cup of tea is one way to distract yourself.There is a timer symbol on some sticks to show that the test is working.It is possible that your test is malfunctioning and you need to use a different test stick.
Step 8: Check the results.
When the amount of time stated in the instructions has passed, check the test stick for results.If you don't know if you are pregnant or not, you should read the instructions again.A plus or minus sign is one of the things that most home pregnancy tests use.A line or symbol can appear very faintly on the screen.If this happens, you should still consider it a positive result as this indicates that the test has picked up on hCG in your urine.False-positives are very rare.You need to make an appointment with your doctor to confirm the pregnancy.This is done with a blood test.If you haven't started your period yet, you should take the test again.If you take the test too soon, you can get a false negative.Many home pregnancy tests come with two test sticks.If the second test comes back negative, make an appointment with your doctor to find out if there is more to the problem than just your menstruation.