Home Pregnancy Test
A home pregnancy test is done to detect presence of 'human chorionic gonadotrophin(hCG)' hormone in urine. When a 'fertilized egg' is implanted in the uterus the body starts to produce (hCG) hormone indicating the ensuing formation of the 'placenta'. The presence of this hormone is easily detectable in urine from six to fourteen days after fertilization.
The hCG hormone tend to rise fast during the first few days after fertilization takes place and may be detected before or on the first day period is due. Although, in some cases, test may indicate negative during the first few days as the hCG may not have reached such level that it can be detected.
Therefore, if the first period is missed and the first test is negative, it is advisable to wait for a few more days before going for a second test.
When Should I Test ?
Some modern test kits available in the market are sensitive enough to detect even low level of hCG in urine as early as four days before period is due or seven days after conception. However, testing so early may face with a false negative result too. Most kits will produce accurate result if the test is carried out at the time normal period would be due about two weeks after ovulation.
Although the test may be carried out at any time of the day but use of sample of the first urine in the morning is usually recommended as the level of hCG gets more concentrated overnight. Women suffering from 'irregular period' may find it harder to calculate the actual date when next mensuration is due. In this case, an average of the last few months cycle or the recent longest cycle period may be taken into consideration.
How Should I Use A Home Pregnancy Test
First read the instruction carefully before conducting a test with any brand. The test is carried out with a sample of urine, preferably the first urine in the morning. For some types, a few drops of urine is poured on the 'test stick' with the help of a dropper, for others the 'test strip' is dipped into a sample of urine collected in a small cup or bowl.
The way the result is displayed varies from brand to brand. Some produce + or - sign indicating positive or negative. For some brands a pink or blue line appears on the 'test strip'. Some latest digital kits even produce words like 'pregnant' or 'not pregnant' as well as number of weeks of conception.
Does Home Pregnancy Test Produce Accurate Result ?
A home test is capable of producing accurate result provided the instructions contained therein are followed accordingly.
Is There A Possibility Of False Negative ?
Yes, there is a possibility of getting a 'false negative' only because of a low level of hCG hormone in the urine. This may happen if the test is carried out too early i.e. even before the due date of next 'menstruation cycle'. One out of every 10 women may have a very low level of hCG after missing a period.
Thus, if the first test produces a 'negative result' and you still suspect that you are pregnant, it is better to wait for a few days more before going for a second test. By this time, the hCG is likely to rise to sufficient level to be detected by the test.
Is There Any Other Way Of Detection ?
Yes, a blood test is usually more sensitive than a urine test and can confirm presence of hCG hormone from about six to eight days after ovulation. Doctors usually never prescribe a blood test before the due date of the next menstruation cycle.
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