How to Conduct a Home Pregnancy Test

For most women today, a home pregnancy test is the first thing they look to if they suspect they are pregnant or if they are actively seeking pregnancy and want to check the results of their efforts. Home pregnancy tests are easy and private and there is really no reason to avoid taking one.

How Do Home Pregnancy Tests Work?

A home pregnancy test kit is used to detect a specific hormone called hCG (human Chronic Gonadotropin), which is also called the “pregnancy hormone," because it normally only exists in elevated levels during the period of pregnancy. This hormone is found in the urine or blood of a pregnant woman, usually within 6 days after conception. The amount of HCG increases in the body rapidly and in the early stages of pregnancy, it doubles every two days. To get the most accurate results, it is best to perform the test a week after your first missed period.

Instructions For Pregnancy Test

The following tips will help you get the best and most accurate results:

• Use an FDA approved Kit: Before buying a testing kit, check to make sure it is FDA approved. This will insure the kit you are using is safe and effective.

• Read and follow all instructions carefully. These precautions explain the correct way to use the test and will help to insure accurate results.

• Use the test at normal room temperature. Many people store the test kit in the refrigerator till they use it. But it has to be brought to the room temperature before using it to insure accurate results.

• Contact your doctor: In some cases there may be false results due to improper use of the test or due to unusual body chemistry issues. If you have any question at all about the accuracy of the test, it is best to contact your doctor to confirm the test results.